What if one of Hollywood's most beloved actors had taken on a role that could have frozen his career in its tracks? George Clooney, the charismatic leading man, narrowly avoided a chilling fate. Imagine if he had starred in a holiday movie so disastrous, it would have made his infamous 'Batman & Robin' look like a masterpiece!
The story begins with a little-known fact: Clooney was initially set to play the main character in the 1998 Christmas comedy 'Jack Frost.' This film, with its abysmal 19% Rotten Tomatoes critic score, is infamous for its unfunny script and depressing ending. It's the kind of movie that leaves you questioning your choices in life, like why you spent money on a ticket!
But here's where it gets interesting: the iconic role of Jack Frost, who returns as a snowman after dying in a car crash, was almost brought to life by Clooney's familiar features. The special effects team, led by Jim Henson's Creature Shop, had already crafted the puppet in Clooney's image! However, fate intervened, and Clooney avoided this icy disaster.
The LA Times reveals that the film's production was a chaotic affair. Originally, Clooney was attached to star, with Sam Raimi, the mastermind behind 'The Evil Dead,' directing. This combination could have been a wild ride. But instead, Michael Keaton, another actor known for his Batman portrayal, stepped in, along with director Troy Miller, late in the game. This last-minute change caused some issues, as the puppet's design had to be adjusted to resemble Keaton more closely.
Despite the challenges, 'Jack Frost' wasn't Keaton's worst outing, but it's certainly not his finest hour either. The movie is a saccharine, formulaic affair, making it a tough watch. It's like a less endearing version of the tearjerker 'Fluke,' but with a snowman instead of a dog. At least with Raimi's slapstick touch, it might have been more entertaining. As it stands, 'Jack Frost' is a frosty misstep, regardless of who voiced the wintry protagonist.
And this is the part most people miss: Clooney's involvement in this cinematic snowstorm was a close call. It's a reminder that even the biggest stars can be attached to projects that end up melting away. So, what's your take? Do you think Clooney dodged a bullet, or would you have loved to see him as a snowman? Share your thoughts, and let's discuss this almost-disaster!
