Years before joining the list of Hollywood’s most celebrated cinematic legends of all time, Daniel Day-Lewis and Gary Oldman locked horns for an iconic movie role. In the mid-80s, director Alex Cox was developing a biopic of Sid Vicious, bassist of the rock band the Sex Pistols. He sought an actor who could do justice to Sid’s life and his chaotic relationship with girlfriend Nancy Spungen.
While Lewis impressed Cox with his emotional range, the coveted role ultimately went to Oldman. Starring in the 1986 biographical drama ‘Sid and Nancy‘ changed the trajectory of Oldman’s career forever. Here’s how Lewis lost out to the Sirius Black actor.
Daniel Day-Lewis Nearly Booked The Lead Role In ‘Sid and Nancy’
Long before establishing himself as a cinematic titan, Daniel Day-Lewis came close to landing the role of Sid in the 1986 biopic ‘Sid and Nancy.’ The movie focuses on the wild musician’s life and his tumultuous romance with his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen.
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For many years, rumors circulated that Day-Lewis had auditioned for the part before director Alex Cox himself confirmed. In the mid-80s, Day-Lewis was still a rising star who had delivered acclaimed movies such as ‘My Beautiful Laundrette’ and ‘A Room with a View.’
Cox had been watching closely and was impressed with the actor’s work, especially his ability to bring genuine emotional intensity to his characters. Moreover, the director identified Day-Lewis as an effective fit to capture the romantic dynamic between Sid and Nancy. So, what went wrong?
Gary Oldman Ultimately Secured The Role Of Sid Vicious
Daniel Day-Lewis’ profile didn’t appeal to director Alex Cox, and he decided to keep looking for other artists for the role. The role eventually went to Gary Oldman, who was initially hesitant to accept the offer.
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Cox recalled that Oldman initially refused to take the part twice and only agreed on the third attempt. But once he made up his mind, Oldman completely disappeared into the role of Sid Vicious. Cox stated that Oldman’s connection with Sid’s character stemmed from his own upbringing in Bermondsey.
It’s a working-class London district very similar to the neighborhoods where the rock star grew up. The director believed the similarity gave Oldman an innate understanding of the character’s frustrations, aspirations, and wild nature, making his case stronger than Day-Lewis’.
That casting paid off as ‘Sid and Nancy’ was critically successful and helped Oldman establish himself as one of the most promising British actors at the time. For Daniel Day-Lewis, losing out on that role was not exactly a setback.
Within a few years, he secured roles in many successful projects, including ‘The Age of Innocence,’ ‘In the Name of the Father,’ and ‘The Last of the Mohicans.’ He eventually became one of the greatest actors of our time and built a remarkable career filled with award-winning performances.
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