Tatum O'Neal
Considered for lead role in *She's Funny That Way* (mid-1990s).
Tatum O'Neal was considered for the leading role in the film *She's Funny That Way* (originally titled *Squirrels to the Nuts*) in the mid-1990s, when Peter Bogdanovich was quoted as saying "This movie is my gift to her." Bogdanovich had previously worked with O'Neal on *Paper Moon* (1973) and *Nickelodeon* (1976). However, due to production delays, O'Neal did not ultimately appear in the film; the role went to Imogen Poots.
- field
- Actress
- nationality
- American
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
In the mid-1990s, *People* reported that *Squirrels to the Nuts* (later retitled *She's Funny That Way*) would feature Tatum O'Neal in the leading role. Director Peter Bogdanovich, who had directed O'Neal in *Paper Moon* (1973) and *Nickelodeon* (1976), was quoted as saying, "This movie is my gift to her." The script was co-written by Bogdanovich and his ex-wife Louise Stratten around 1999 and 2000. However, the project was shelved after the death of John Ritter, who was originally cast in a different role. When the film was officially announced in 2012, O'Neal was no longer attached; Brie Larson was initially signed for the role, and later Imogen Poots was cast. O'Neal's involvement was limited to this early development phase.
Reader's Guide
Tatum O'Neal's connection to *She's Funny That Way* is a footnote in the film's long development history. In the mid-1990s, she was the intended star of what was then titled *Squirrels to the Nuts*, with director Peter Bogdanovich calling the project a gift to her. This was a planned reunion for the pair, who had worked together on *Paper Moon* (1973) and *Nickelodeon* (1976). However, the film went through multiple delays and cast changes over nearly two decades. By the time production finally began in 2013, O'Neal was no longer involved, and the role of the call-girl-turned-actress was played by Imogen Poots. O'Neal's early casting is a notable piece of trivia about the film's origins.
Did You Know?
- Tatum O'Neal was considered for the lead role in *She's Funny That Way* in the mid-1990s, when it was still titled *Squirrels to the Nuts*.
- Director Peter Bogdanovich said of the planned project, "This movie is my gift to her."
- O'Neal had previously worked with Bogdanovich on *Paper Moon* (1973) and *Nickelodeon* (1976).
- The film's script was co-written by Bogdanovich and his ex-wife Louise Stratten around 1999 and 2000.
- By the time the film was officially announced in 2012, O'Neal was no longer attached to the project.
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