David Schwimmer reveals 'brutal' decision to turn down major role that could have made him a star
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: David Schwimmer, best known for his role as Ross Geller on 'Friends,' recently revealed a pivotal moment in his career that could have transformed him into a movie star.
During an appearance on the 'Origins with Cush Jumbo' podcast, the 57-year-old actor discussed being offered a role in the 1997 blockbuster 'Men in Black,' which he ultimately declined.
David Schwimmer reveals he turned down 'Men in Black' for directorial dreams
David Schwimmer clarified that scheduling conflicts with his hit TV series were not the reason for his decision. "That was a brutal decision," he said, reflecting on the high expectations surrounding his first film, 'The Pallbearer,' which starred Gwyneth Paltrow but ultimately underperformed.
He explained that Miramax, the studio, wanted to sign him for a three-picture deal, but he asked for the chance to direct his own film in return. "I said I would agree to that if I could direct my first movie," he recalled.
After months of negotiations, Schwimmer reached an agreement with the studio. He would act in three films while also directing a project featuring his theater company, which he had founded in college. "All these unknown actors would have the chance to shine. I wanted to let everyone discover the talent of this amazing company," he said.
His directorial debut, 'Since You've Been Gone,' a comedy about a high school reunion, began preproduction with his friends from the theater company fully committed to the project.
"We found this amazing script and we were developing it. We started preproduction. All my best friends in the world in my theater company quit their jobs so they could be in this film over the summer," he described.
However, as they were preparing to shoot in Chicago, Schwimmer received an offer for 'Men in Black,' which directly conflicted with his timeline.
"It was a direct conflict with [the movie]," he explained. "My summer window from ‘Friends’ was four months. I had a four-month hiatus, and ‘Men in Black’ was going to shoot exactly when I was going to direct this film with my company."
David Schwimmer reflects on the impact of his choice
Although David Schwimmer acknowledged the significant opportunity presented by 'Men in Black'—a film that ultimately grossed nearly $600 million and led to sequels—he carefully considered the value of his relationships with his theater company members.
"I mean, if you look at the success of that film, and that franchise… my career would be in a very different [place]. Might have taken — probably would have taken a very different trajectory. However, my theater company and that relationship with all those people would probably have ended," he admitted.
He continued, "I don’t think it would have recovered. Those people had quit their jobs to do that movie." Schwimmer reflected on his decision, saying, "I don’t know if I made the right choice," though Jumbo reassured him that he had. Despite the success of 'Men in Black,' Schwimmer remains proud of prioritizing his artistic vision and the connections he forged within his theater community.
