This Oscar-winning actor chose to remove his name from the poster of this movie with Tom Cruise

A former lawyer turned successful writer, John Grisham wrote many works that became bestsellers in the 1990s, many of which were adapted for the screen: The Pelican Case, The Client, The Law of Killing, The Master of the Game… At 69, he is the author of over fifty works.

In the late 80s and early 90s, he wrote the story of a brilliant, newly graduated lawyer who accepts an irresistible offer that a Memphis firm makes him, not suspecting that he is conducting operations illegally. It will be La Firme, which was published in 1991 and which will be a huge success in bookstores.

Barely two years later, the book was made into a film by Sidney Pollack. Also this film will start its screening, more or less successfully.

With a comfortable budget of $42 million, Pollack brought on board an impressive cast: Holly Hunter, Ed Harris, Gene Tripplehorn, Hal Holbrook, Gary Busey and David Strathairn. Tom Cruise is the headliner in the form of Mitch McDeere, backed up by a lawyer mentor played by the always flawless Gene Hackman.

The firm would go on to be a huge success in theaters, grossing $270 million. Adjusted for inflation, that’s about $590 million. Pollack’s film was also the 5th biggest success at the American box office that year, behind Jurassic Park, Mrs Doubtfire, The Fugitive and Schindler’s List.

Oddly, though, Hackman’s name doesn’t appear on the poster, unlike (and logically) Cruise, who is featured prominently. for what reason

Last minute casting

This is an article Los Angeles Times who closed the case in 1993. “Gene Hackman might have won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.” ruthless last year, but he prefers not to be seen as a supporting actor in the advertisements for his latest film, firm“, wrote daily.

In fact, the film’s producers did not want Hackman to play the role. Originally, they wanted her character to be female and to be played by Meryl Streep. The actor’s name was still attached when the film went into production.

But John Grisham, who had something to say, was against it and believed that Avery Tolar’s character should remain male. So Gene Hackman arrived late in the production.

Removed from promotional material

While Tom Cruise was already negotiating with Paramount to have his name at the top of the poster and all the promotional materials had already been printed, Hackman wanted his name at the top of the poster as well. “Why should Mr. Hackman’s name be below?” His spokesman was angry.

“He came late to the project, after the shooting started, and he was offered the role after that Developed a marketing plan around the tribe. He had a choice between saying ‘no’ or finding another billing solution.”

Hackman then requested that his name be completely removed from all public materials. In the film, Hackman takes second place in the opening and closing credits.