Enemy of the State airs tonight on NRJ 12. Did you know that Tom Cruise refused to star in this paranoid thriller? Explanations.
Released in January 1999 in France, Enemy d'Etat made an impression with its way of using new technologies to track down the hero of the film, Robert Clayton Dean, played by Will Smith.
This paranoid thriller was ahead of its time, predicting the scandals to come around widespread surveillance via the democratization of the internet.
At the time, Will Smith was a huge star, coming out of international hits like Bad Boys, Independence Day or Men In Black. Yet despite his notoriety, the actor was not director Tony Scott's first choice.
To camp his Robert Clayton Dean, Ridley's brother wanted to have world superstar Tom Cruise. The latter had just triumphed with Mission Impossible, proving that he could be a credible action hero.
TOM CRUISE STUCK AT KUBRICK
Unfortunately, the actor was forced to decline the offer to devote himself to Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut. The shoot, which was supposed to last 6 months, ultimately stretched over 19 months, forcing Tom Cruise to reconsider his plans.
The artist did not compromise with the master, giving him all his energy alongside his wife at the time, Nicole Kidman. After Cruise's refusal, Tony Scott turns to George Clooney and Mel Gibson, who also decline the offer.
WILL SMITH TO THE RESCUE
Eventually, the director hires Will Smith, the one who defeated the aliens of Independence Day and Men In Black. Despite its presence, the thriller will not have the expected success, collecting only $ 250 million in worldwide revenue for a budget of $ 90 million.
However, the film will receive good reviews and hit the video market. In France, State Enemy worked well, bringing together 2 million spectators.
Note that Gene Hackman has refused several times to interpret the character of Brill. It was after a phone call from Tony Scott, during which the director was very persuasive, that the actor finally accepted the role.
Will Smith and Jimmy Fallon sing cult credits!
