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Post by nowarningshots on May 1, 2008 0:15:08 GMT -5
I'm sure this has been discussed on here numerous times, but as a lifelong Phan of the Philms ( saw the original at the theatre at 16). I have never heard why Michael Baldwin was not in P2. Would appreciate any info.........
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briggs
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Posts: 337
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Post by briggs on May 1, 2008 6:09:48 GMT -5
Michael Baldwin was out because for some reason Universal would only let one cast member reappear (I guess Scrimm was automatically in being the villain). Don chose Reggie I suppose since Jody was dead and people might have passed off Mike's change to age.
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Post by mirai on May 1, 2008 10:58:08 GMT -5
they talk about that on the commentary for P2 and a little bit about Brad Pitt who auditioned for the role of Mike
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Post by nitelinger on May 1, 2008 11:24:33 GMT -5
No Baldwin REALLY upset me in 1988 when I found out about it! It REALLY upsets me today! Man I hate suits!
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Post by gopher in heat on May 1, 2008 15:16:30 GMT -5
Whenever I see this topic, I have to step in and set the record straight. Here's what I know, mostly because I was working at the casting office for a bit during P2: Universal wanted control over casting the lead actors. Actors were auditioning for both the roles of Mike and Reggie! It was heartbreaking seeing all these resumes flooding in for these two characters (I often wanted to burn them all). Mike and Reg had even been named after the actors that played them, yet here was the studio saying we couldn't use Baldwin and Bannister! Coscarelli fought Universal on this (I could be wrong, but I think this contributed to Universal's poor treatment later on) and managed to get them to agree to casting Reggie Bannister. But Universal would not budge on the role of Mike. They wanted a sexy, heart-throb leading man. Michael Baldwin flew in to audition for his own role--he really did his best (I was there that day). But the suits said no (this must have been very painful for Michael). James was a good actor and a really nice guy. But he certainly was not the brainy, neurotic, smart-talking Mike Pearson. I always feel terrible for Michael Baldwin--and watching P2 always feels a bit uncomfortable seeing this "other guy" in Baldwin's shoes. Still, it was a relief to at least get Reggie back on board. Can you imagine P2 with Tambor as Reggie? Plus, Reg truly shines in P2! The beginnings of the Regman we all know and love. Angus Scrimm's involvement was never in jeopardy. That would have been like casting "Dracula" without Lugosi. Thank you SO much for providing an insider's perspective on the matter! While I knew most of what you said, I did not know that Baldwin actually physically auditioned for the role, and I found it particularly interesting. Any time you care to shed some light on the darker corners of the Phantasm universe, it's gladly welcomed!
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Post by postmortem on May 1, 2008 20:17:53 GMT -5
You're most welcome, Gopher. ;D
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vitaman2007
Sentinel Sphere
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Posts: 698
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Post by vitaman2007 on May 1, 2008 21:52:39 GMT -5
Tambor as Reg? Unfreakin believable! That's laughable. Really effin ridiculous. Suits are soooo brilliant.
It would have been neat to have been an unnoticed observer and hear some of the stuff Don said to them (if he did say such things). It was probably a very touchy line to cross. I'm sure they used the "Beastmaster" against him as leverage. Or that's what I would've have done, being a soulless, out of touch, CEO wannabee, elitist.
As far as Michael not being in P2... as an eighteen year old, saying I was highly disappointed would have been an understatement.
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Post by 4barrelhemi on May 12, 2008 7:51:42 GMT -5
I saw Phantasm 2 before I saw any other Phantasm films so I guess thats why it doesn't bother me as much.
I can understand some other people bein upset over it but I think Don made the right call by keeping Reggie even though they forced him to make a decision.
I just couldn't see Baldwin running around with a flamethrower and welding mask on.
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Post by spherical on Jun 9, 2008 19:07:12 GMT -5
Blame Phantasm II's big budget.
Phantasm II could have been a much more "artsy" movie with a lesser budget and more control from Don...
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