Director Albert Magnoli reveals in a new interview that during a meeting with Warner Bros. to discuss the movie, he was asked by the studio's execs if they could cast Travolta in the lead role.
- Apr 30, 2016
AceShowbiz - "Purple Rain" without Prince as the lead could've happened. Albert Magnoli, who directed the 1984 semi-autobiographical film inspired by the Purple One's life, revealed in a new interview with Rolling Stone that Warner Bros. originally wanted John Travolta to star in it.
Magnoli told the publication that Prince and his management team first only planned to finance the movie. After Warner Bros. expressed interest, the then-recent film school graduate had a sit-down with the studio's execs, who asked during the meeting if they could cast a big name actor for the lead role.
" 'Is it possible to ask if John Travolta can play Prince?' " the director recalled the execs asking him. "I looked at [Prince's managers] and thought, 'This is what I'm talking about. Welcome to this world.' "
Magnoli refused the idea, continuing, "I said to the Warners guys, 'Guys, this is not going to happen. This is unacceptable. What we have going for us is authenticity.' They were shocked. I said, 'Next question.' "
"Purple Rain", who stormed the U.S. theaters again following Prince's death, was a big success. Made on a $7.2 million budget, it grossed $70 million at box office in the country, making it the 10th highest-grossing movie of 1984.
The soundtrack album that accompanied the film was also a hit. Featuring chart-toppers like "When Doves Cry" and the title track "Purple Rain", it reached No. 1 on Billboard 200. It returned to the chart after the singer passed away earlier this month, landing at No. 2.
