An old Hollywood rumor claims that Ronald Reagan was the original male lead CasablancaHas a surprising backstory that predates even the movie itself. Before his ascent in politics and tenure as the President of the United States, Ronald Reagan was known for his work in movies. Although not exactly an A-list actor in the same way as Hollywood legend Humphrey Bogart, Reagan was a star for quite some time, headlining a long list of films in the 1940s and 1950s. Much of his work was for Warner Bros, the studio that produced it Casablanca in 1943.
As a result of its resounding success, critical acclaim and status as a household favorite for decades, it has naturally been a source of public discourse for years. Rumors and all sorts of behind-the-scenes stories surround the making of Casablanca and its shape. Among the most interesting ones related to Ronald Reagan, who had no involvement with the film. An old, unproven but widely circulated claim is that before Humphrey Bogart was tapped to play Rick Blaine, Warner Bros. cast Reagan as the now-iconic Character.
Ronald Reagan’s Connection to Casablanca Explained
Ronald Reagan’s name was publicly connected to Casablanca before Bogart’s
There was never any real intention for Reagan to appear in it CasablancaBut it is important to note that the sound does not originate from thin air. In fact, the basis of the claim comes from the words of the studio itself, as Warner Bros. has publicly attached Reagan’s name to the project A year before it hits theaters. In 1942, Warner Bros. shared a press release by The Hollywood Reporter, Announcing that Ronald Reagan and Anne Sheridan would be starring in Casablanca.
While this may give the impression that Reagan was meant to be involved, that was not the case. During this era in Hollywood, actors were contractually bound to work for specific studios, with both Reagan and Sheridan having deals in place with Warner Bros. As explained by SnopesStudios have considered it important for the names of the actors to stay in the news so that they will remain relevant. Highlighting the duo of Reagan and Sheridan in particular, despite the factual inaccuracy, was considered beneficial since the two were starring in Kings RowWhich was an upcoming film when the press release was initially published in 1942.
Further proving this point is the fact that Reagan and Sheridan were also paraded as the leads of Across the Pacific (which coincidentally wound up a Humphrey Bogart war movie) in a different press release. But just like it was with CasablancaIt was too early in the process for actors to be cast and Reagan never appeared in the film. It is worth noting that this is not an unusual practice and instead was seen as a routine marketing move.
Why Ronald Reagan would have been an odd choice for Rick Blaine
Ronald Reagan as Rick Blaine wouldn’t have worked anyway
Not only was there no truth to the rumor, but such a casting choice would not have made much sense at the time. Reagan was an undeniably talented actor, but it’s hard to imagine him being cast in a film as high-profile as CasablancaEspecially at this point in his career. He has been in some fairly successful films, but only recently has Warner Bros. started using him as a leading actor, but these are mostly comedies and much smaller projects. Nothing Reagan did in 1942 would have justified the decision to cast him as the rugged, no-nonsense Rick Blaine in Casablanca.
The situation with Bogart was different. There were reasons to doubt that he was perfect for Rick Blaine as well since he lacked experience as a romantic lead, but his more was a much more prominent name in the early 1940s. He was not the top star of the industry, but his starring roles in movies like The Maltese Falcon, They drive at nightAnd Dark victoryhas elevated his status immensely since Humphrey Bogart’s regrettable string of bad gangster movies.
Humphrey Bogart was always the obvious choice for Rick Blaine
Despite rumors, no other actors are seriously considered
Ronald Reagan is actually one of several names linked to the Rick Blaine character (George Raft is another), but based on what is known about the production, The role of Humphrey Bogart was never up for debate. Hal Wallis, who produced Casablancawas adamant that Bogart play Rick. What’s more, contractual issues would have dictated that Wallis received the final say on the casting for the film. In other words, who got to play Rick and Elsa would always be Wallis’ decisions, not Warner Bros.’ Wallis was empowered by his contract to choose anyone working for the studio.
How things worked out, and the inheritance that Casablanca has been considered for decades as one of the greatest movies ever made, showing that Hall Wallis’ instincts about Bogart were correct. Bogart delivered one of the greatest performances of his career, making Rick Blaine a cinematic icon by conveying quiet but intense moments that the character is much more than “The tough guy“That he seems to be.
Source: Snopes