Bringing Thinner to the big screen was not an easy task. The 1984 book gained attention due to the revelation that the author, Richard Bachman, was actually Stephen King using a pseudonym. Despite this, studios repeatedly rejected the project, leading to a lengthy and challenging development process that lasted over five years. Throughout this time, various considerations were made for the lead character. Ultimately, the role was given to Robert John Burke. However, there was a point when King himself personally desired John Candy to play the role of Billy Halleck.
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On the new Thinner Blu-ray, one of the exclusive special features includes a commentary track featuring an interview with producer Mitchell Galin. He shares the story of how the production team pursued John Candy for the lead role. Prior to Candy's untimely death in March 1994, King saw the potential for him to play the lead in Thinner, possibly using it as an opportunity to lose weight professionally. This endeavor was not just a mere joke; Galin explains that genuine efforts were made to cast Candy, but unfortunately, it did not come to fruition.
Here is King's statement about the experience:
We did reach out to [John] Candy’s people. Steve’s comment was like, ‘We’ll pay him a nice chunk of money, and we’ll save his life.’ (laughs) And for whatever reason – Candy was either busy, or he didn’t spark to [the material]… I really have no idea. At some point, you put it out there, if it doesn’t get the response you want, at the end of the day, I really don’t care. Unless it’s something needful, a person that can help you in the process of moving forward.
Source: Yahoo