Why Paul Newman Was Dropped From a Blockbuster

Back in the 1970s, Paul Newman was about as big as it got in the film world. He’d already racked up a handful of Oscar nods and was the bloke behind some of the era’s most popular flicks. With his reputation for being picky about roles, any project with his name attached was bound to get heaps of attention. So, you’d reckon directors would be lining up for a chance to work with him. Oddly enough, that wasn’t always the case.

There was one particular project that looked set to be another feather in Newman’s cap. The film, which would later become a box office smash and make a splash at the Oscars, had Newman lined up for the lead. But behind the scenes, things weren’t so straightforward. The director at the time, John Huston, had just finished working with Newman on another film and was keen to keep the partnership going. The plan was for Newman to play Moses Pray, with his real-life daughter, Elinor (who went by Nel Potts on screen), cast as Addie Loggins. Newman was clearly hoping to give his daughter a leg up in the industry.

Changing of the Guard

While the script was being put together by Alvin Sargent, the project took a turn. Huston left, and Peter Bogdanovich stepped in as director. That’s when things shifted. Bogdanovich wasn’t too keen on the idea of working with both Newmans. He had his own vision for the film and wanted Ryan O’Neal in the lead instead. In his own words:

I think it’s the best work Ryan O’Neal’s done. That wonderful laugh he came up with, that cackle, was just wonderful. Paramount owned the property originally and had John Huston lined up to direct with Paul Newman and his daughter to star. Then they wanted me to direct, but I didn’t particularly want to do it with Paul. I wanted to do it with Ryan, so that’s what happened.

It was a pretty clear message to the studio—Bogdanovich would only take the job if O’Neal was cast. So, Newman and his daughter were out, and the O’Neals were in. Paul Newman never publicly commented on the switch, preferring to keep things private. Still, it’s hard not to wonder how things might have played out if he’d stayed on board, especially for his daughter’s career.

Oscar Glory and What Might Have Been

With the new cast in place, the film—now called Paper Moon—went on to be a massive hit. Tatum O’Neal, Ryan’s daughter, took on the role of Addie and ended up making history. She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, becoming the youngest person ever to win a competitive acting award. If things had gone differently, it could have been Nell Newman up on that stage instead.

The decision to swap out the Newmans for the O’Neals didn’t just change the film’s cast; it altered the course of a few Hollywood careers. For Tatum, it was a launchpad. For Paul and his daughter, it was a missed opportunity—one that’s still talked about by film buffs and industry insiders alike.