Pulp Fiction: Tarantino Had to Fight to Cast Travolta.

By The Backlot

@backlotfriends

Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield in black suits pointing guns at an unseen target in an apartment in Pulp Fiction.

Michael Madsen was going to play Vincent Vega. He left for Wyatt Earp.

Tarantino replaced him with John Travolta. Harvey Weinstein objected and offered Daniel Day-Lewis, Sean Penn, or William Hurt instead. Tarantino's agent gave Weinstein an ultimatum: agree right now or there's no deal. Weinstein folded.

Travolta hadn't had a hit in years. He took the role at a fraction of his previous rate. When Pulp Fiction won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and made him a star again, Weinstein tried to claim he had pushed for the casting all along.

The original casting document called Travolta a "strong, strong, strong second choice."

People keep adding this film to their lists. One of these nights, just watch it.

Quick Facts

Pulp Fiction: Tarantino Had to Fight to Cast Travolta.

DirectorQuentin Tarantino

CastJohn Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Ving Rhames

GenreThriller, Crime, Comedy

Release1994-09-10

Runtime154 min

Rated8.5/10

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The original plan was Michael Madsen as Vincent Vega. Tarantino fought for Travolta, the producer said no, and a one-line ultimatum settled it. #PulpFiction #Backlot

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Michael Madsen was supposed to play Vincent Vega. Then the producer refused Travolta. Tarantino's agent said no deal. #PulpFiction #Backlot

Michael Madsen was going to play Vincent Vega. He left for Wyatt Earp.

The original casting document called Travolta a "strong, strong, strong second choice."

People keep adding this film to their lists. One of these nights, just watch it.