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Even though Sandra Bullock has nailed it classically in multiple other roles, one of her most real dramas was in none other thanSpeed.Not only was the masterpiece widely commended by critics and general viewers alike, but it is also regarded among some of the best performances to date from the film’s three prominent leads, i.e., Keanu Reeves, Bullock, and Jeff Daniels.
Surprisingly enough, even though the action-thriller later granted them such impeccable fame in their respective careers, there was a time when Daniels almost turned down his iconic role. However, thanks to a series of fortunate turn of events, not only did he end up starring in the film, but he also took an unlikely inspiration from the late Roy Scheider in one Steven Spielberg movie!
Jeff Daniels Took Inspiration From Roy Scheider inJawsforSpeed
The lateRoy Scheidertruly gave an immaculate performance as Martin Brody in the iconic gem from 1975,Jaws.So much so that he was thoroughly commended by critics for the same. But what could possibly have been so similar betweenSteven Spielberg‘s masterwork and the 1994 action masterpiece that Daniels took inspiration from him?
As it turns out, it was the reaction that Daniels held when the bomb was about to blow up into his face in theKeanu Reeves-starrer and that Scheider had on his face when he saw the shark in Spielberg’s film. And just to figure out how to immaculately enact that scene with his facial features,Jeff Danielstook inspiration from how Scheider acted his respective scene out.
Sandra Bullock Learned a Crucial Skill to Prepare for Keanu Reeves’ ‘Speed’ Only for Movie to Never Use it On-Screen
During an appearance onThe Rich Eisen Show, Daniels recalled the same as he said:
“The moment in [the movie] is, I’ve got to turn and look at the thermostat and understand that’s not a thermostat… that’s a timer for a bomb. And it’s 3, 2, 1, and it’s about to blow up. So I’m going, ‘how am I going to do that?’ Do I make faces? Do I cry? What do I do?”
TheDumb and Dumberactorthen shared how he saw Scheider’s interview, where he revealed just how he made that iconic face in the Spielberg-helmed masterpiece. As Daniels said:
“Roy said, ‘Well, I looked down, and when I looked over at the shark, I made sure my cheek muscles were a little up. And then I just dropped them.'”
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That’s exactly what Daniels did as well: Helooked at the thermostatandused Scheider’s exact same methodto bring out the same facial reaction. And, surprisingly enough, that turned out as perfectly as it could be, with more than just a few viewers moved to death by his tragic death scene in theSandra Bullock-starrer.
Before This, Jeff Daniels Almost Turned Down His Role inSpeed
The part of Harry, akaKeanu Reeves’ officer Jack Travern‘s friend cum partner, was one of the most notable roles in the 1994 action-thriller, and Daniels’ death in the role only made his character all the more lovable to fans. However, as surprising as it may be,there was a time whenThe Newsroomstar almost turned it down.
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As he recalled during the same appearance on the talk show:
“I remember getting the script, and I died on page 22. I died in the elevator shaft. I said ‘the career’s in trouble but it’s not in that much trouble.’ I’m gonna pass.”
But thencame his agent into the picture to save the daythrough a later draft. As Daniels revealed:
“The agent said ‘hang on! There’s another draft coming. You die later.’ And it did, [my death] came on about page 80. I’m going, ‘okay well, I’ll do it.’ And Keanu [Reeves] and [Sandra Bullock]… Happy to do it.”
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Well, Daniels may be just happy to do it, but we’rewaymore than just glad we could see him inthat fan-favorite role!
You can watchSpeedandJaws onPrime Video.
Mahin Sultan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2478
Mahin Sultan is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, where she brings a fresh perspective to entertainment news. Having been in the field for over 3 years now, she has already written more than 2,000 articles across a variety of niches, from entertainment to health and fashion. This diverse experience has allowed her to quickly build a solid foundation and a deep understanding of the industry.
