Richard E Grant has claimed that the reason Julianne Moore was fired from Can You Forgive Me? is because she wanted to wear a fat suit.
Julianne, 58, was originally set to star in the Oscar-nominated film as literary forger Lee Israel. After Julianne departed the project, Melissa McCarthy stepped in and was nominated for the best actress Oscar and Bafta.
While Julianne has previously said she was ‘fired’ from the role, Richard, 61, has shed light on the reason why.
Speaking at an Advertising Week Europe event this week, the British actor revealed: ‘Julianne Moore wanted to wear a fat suit and a false nose to play Lee Israel and [co-writer] Nicole Holofcener said, “You’re not going to do that”.’
Addressing the situation on Watch What Happens Live, Julianne previously said: ‘Nicole fired me. I think she didn’t like what I was doing.”
Advertisement
Advertisement
According to Richard, the Can You Ever Forgive Me? production was mired by multiple setbacks and changes.
He recalled: ‘The original cast was going to be directed by Bob Balaban with Helena Bonham Carter and Sam Rockwell playing my part.
‘Fast forward 10 years and then it was going to be Julianne Moore and Chris O’Dowd and then Nicole Holofcener, the co-screenwriter, fired Julianne Moore two days before they started shooting over creative differences.
‘Then Melissa McCarthy’s husband, who had been in the previous version and still played the same part, gave her the script to read and then she came on board and then I got cast so it was third time lucky for me otherwise I wouldn’t be here.’
More: Richard E Grant
It wasn’t just Melissa who struck gold with the film as Richard was nominated for best supporting actor for his performance as Jack Hock, but lost out to Mahershala Ali.
Metro.co.uk contacted Julianne Moore’s rep but they opted not to comment.
Got a showbiz story?
If you've got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Richard E Grant wraps up ‘Oscars 2019 ride’ in most Richard E Grant way possible
MORE: Richard E Grant finally tracks down Barbra Streisand at Oscars and continues to fangirl over legend
Advertisement
Advertisement
