Question 1

Why did Billy Crystal end up playing the publicist instead of the male lead in America's Sweethearts?

Accepted Answer

Billy Crystal originally wrote the part of Eddie for himself, but director Joe Roth persuaded him to play publicist Lee Phillips instead, feeling Crystal was too old for Eddie by then.

Question 2

What unusual circumstance forces a publicist to manage a celebrity breakup in America's Sweethearts?

Accepted Answer

A studio publicist scrambles to contain a nasty public breakup between married movie stars while their latest film's only print has been kidnapped by the director.

Question 3

How did Joe Roth end up directing America's Sweethearts after an 11-year hiatus from directing?

Accepted Answer

Joe Roth read the script, was totally immersed, and liked it so much that he asked to direct. Billy Crystal, who was initially slated to direct, granted Roth's request and stayed on as producer.

Question 4

Which actor was originally slated to play Eddie Thomas before John Cusack was cast?

Accepted Answer

Robert Downey Jr. was originally slated to play Eddie Thomas, but John Cusack was cast instead when Downey's legal problems raised availability doubts.

Question 5

What in-joke reference to When Harry Met Sally... appears in America's Sweethearts?

Accepted Answer

When Dave Kingman enters the hotel bar to speak with Lee Phillips, he tells the bartender 'I'll have whatever he's having,' referencing the famous 'I'll have what she's having' line from When Harry Met Sally..., which also starred Billy Crystal.

Question 6

Why did Billy Crystal end up playing the publicist instead of the male lead in America's Sweethearts?

Accepted Answer

Director Joe Roth persuaded Crystal to take the role of Lee the publicist, feeling Crystal was too old to play Eddie, a part Crystal had originally written for himself years earlier. [7]

Question 7

What behind-the-scenes change led Joe Roth to direct America's Sweethearts after an 11-year hiatus?

Accepted Answer

Joe Roth read the script, was totally immersed, and liked it so much that he wanted to direct. Billy Crystal, initially slated to direct, granted Roth's request and stayed on as producer. [8]

Question 8

Which actor was originally slated to play Eddie Thomas before John Cusack was cast?

Accepted Answer

Robert Downey Jr. was originally slated to play Eddie, but John Cusack was cast instead when Downey's legal problems raised doubts about his availability for filming. [9]

Question 9

What in-joke is referenced when Dave Kingman orders a drink in the hotel bar?

Accepted Answer

Dave says 'I'll have whatever he's having,' referencing the famous 'I'll have what she's having' scene from When Harry Met Sally..., which also starred Billy Crystal. [11]

Question 10

What crisis drives the plot of America's Sweethearts?

Accepted Answer

A studio publicist scrambles to manage the nasty public breakup of married movie stars while their latest film's only print has been kidnapped by the director. [0]

America's Sweethearts

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