Bill Murray replaced in Oscar-winning movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” after previously signing on for the lead role, handing it over when filmmakers determined he was not the right fit. The switch occurred as the production team sought a believable Eddie Valiant, ultimately turning to Bob Hoskins in a move that shaped the film’s legacy.
Bill Murray Initially Set to Star in Groundbreaking Film
Securing Bill Murray for a film has often posed a unique challenge due to his elusive reputation, but this time, the issue was not about tracking him down. The Saturday Night Live alum had officially agreed and signed a contract to star in what would become the celebrated box office hit directed by Robert Zemeckis, later earning four Academy Awards for its innovation in blending live-action and animation. Despite his established involvement, a decision was made to remove Murray from the major role, with compensation provided for his exit.
Even with this unexpected departure, Bill Murray did not appear shaken by the decision. Known for his indifferent attitude toward standard Hollywood processes, Murray picks his projects with little regard for industry expectations. In the aftermath, he expressed no particular regret about losing the opportunity, aside from missing a chance to work alongside Clint Eastwood, which he considered a once-in-a-lifetime missed collaboration.
Why the Role Changed Hands So Dramatically
In this rare instance, there was no need for the legendary runaround—no frantic faxes, secret phone numbers, or elaborate industry networking to find Murray. He was already fully committed to the project. However, during pre-production, it became clear to the filmmakers that Murray was not suited for the character of Eddie Valiant. The casting process had initially considered high-profile contenders such as Harrison Ford, who was eliminated because of financial demands, Chevy Chase who turned down the part, and Eddie Murphy who dismissed the very idea of combining animated elements with live-action performances—a hesitation he would later come to regret.
Bob Hoskins, a British actor known for his rugged demeanor rather than mainstream appeal, eventually became the surprising choice for the part. Despite lacking the traditional attributes of a Hollywood leading man, Hoskins’ no-nonsense persona worked as an effective counterpoint to the animated chaos central to the movie’s premise. This unexpected casting was instrumental in solidifying the film’s tone and believability for its audience.
Inside the Decision: The Creator Weighs In
During a conversation with Cracked, Gary K Wolf, the novelist behind the original story and the creator of the title character, provided insight into the audition and casting difficulties. Wolf described the challenge of finding someone who could immerse the audience in a world populated by cartoon figures:
“For Eddie Valiant, we needed someone who was able to convince the audience that all these cartoon characters were real,”
—Gary K Wolf, Author
He recalled how, around the time uncertainty lingered about the movie’s potential, Murray emerged as a seemingly reliable lead:
“Eventually, we found the guy everyone thought would be bankable because no one knew if this movie was going to be good,”
—Gary K Wolf, Author
However, as production commenced, doubts resurfaced regarding Murray’s fit for the role. Despite his ‘Ghostbusters’ fame, Wolf admitted to quickly observing a disconnect:
“It then became really obvious that Bill Murray not only couldn’t make audiences believe these characters were real, but he didn’t believe these characters were real,”
—Gary K Wolf, Author
Wolf described how Murray’s comedic double takes and visible disbelief in the cartoon world clashed with the story’s requirements, ultimately leading to Murray’s contract buyout:
“He was constantly doing double-takes. ‘You’re a talking rabbit! You’re a talking pig! What are you doing here?’ So, they bought him out of his contract.”
—Gary K Wolf, Author
The Lasting Impact of the Casting Shakeup
Imagining a version of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” with Bill Murray in the lead is tempting, but the film’s enduring success is largely credited to Bob Hoskins’ commitment to the reality of the character’s world. The switch not only set the tone for the film’s unique blend of live-action and animation but also shaped the performances that resonated with both critics and audiences. As a result, the selection of Hoskins, though unexpected, contributed significantly to the film’s critical acclaim and box office triumph, redefining what a blockbuster star could look like in such an inventive cinematic setting.
