Friends Star Considers Quitting Men In Black: 'Cruel Decision'

David Schwimmer shares that he turned down the chance to star in the original Men in black movie. The first film in the science fiction series starred Will Smith as Agent J and Tommy Lee Jones as Agent K and was released in 1997. FriendsPlayed by Ross Geller. According to Schwimmer, he chose to turn down the role to focus on directing.

While appearing on the podcast Originated with Cush Jumbo (via IndieWire), Schwimmer spoke about choosing to direct rather than star Men in black. According to Schwimmer, after starring in Miramax's 1996 film Pallbearerthe studio wanted him to agree to a three-picture deal for a fixed price. The actor was told that if he agreed to the deal, he would be able to direct his first film Since you left. As part of the deal, Schwimmer was able to cast his theater company in the film and put unknown actors in the spotlight.

During pre-production for Schwimmer Since you leftactor was offered Men in black. since Men in black It was planned to start filming at the same time Since you leftSchwimmer decided to focus on directing instead. Although the initial intention was to release the film in cinemas, Since you left it would later premiere on ABC in 1998. Since you left instead of Men in black can be found below:

We found this amazing script and were developing it. We started pre-production. My best friends from all over the world at my theater company quit their jobs so they could be in this movie over the summer in Chicago for a six-week shoot. We're in pre-production, we've hired the whole crew, everything's going well, and that's when I was offered
Men in black
. It was in direct conflict with this. From my summer window
Friends
it was four months. I took a four-month break and
Men in black
I was going to make this film when I was going to direct it with my own company. And of course it was an incredible opportunity. However, my theater company and my relationship with all these people would probably end.

Although Schwimmer does not regret his choice of directing, he also shared that he feels it Men in black could change his career and added:

You have to follow your gut. You have to follow your heart. Look, I really know what 20 years later, maybe more, [
Men in Black
] would make me a movie star. If you look at the success of that film and that franchise, my career would have taken a very different trajectory.

David Schwimmer's Almost Casting What It Means For Men In Black

Will Smith brought a lot of himself to Agent J

Schwimmer would most likely play Agent J Men in black. However, the character would feel quite different than it did when portrayed by Smith. Smith brought a lot to the roleand made the character of Agent J his own. Throughout the film, Smith displayed a comedic style similar to his other films and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air sitcom. Since Schwimmer and Smith have different comedic styles, Schwimmer's version of Agent J would likely have different screen chemistry with Jones' Agent K.

We're Almost Getting Schwimmer to Star in Men In Black

While Schwimmer is an Amazing Actor, Smith was perfect as Agent J

While Schwimmer may have made Agent J his own, it's hard to imagine the character without Smith playing it. Smith's version of Agent J is one of the most memorable parts of the first trilogy Men in black movies. His character was also impressive For the animated version of Agent J Men In Black: The SeriesVoiced by Keith Diamond. Although Smith does not appear Men in Black: Internationalthe character was featured in an artwork alongside Agent K as a tribute, further emphasizing Jones' importance to the franchise.

Men in Black: International
instead it starred Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson as the two lead agents.

Although Schwimmer failed to appear Men in blackhe also signed other memorable roles. In animation Madagascar franchise, Schwimmer voices Melman the giraffe. He also showcased his dramatic acting chops in roles like Robert Kardashian in his first season American Crime Story. However, even if he is in the lead role Men in blackIt's hard to imagine Schwimmer without first thinking of Ross Geller.

Source: Origins with Cush Jumbo (via IndieWire)