Woody Harrelson missed out on the opportunity to star in the iconic 1994 comedy Dumb & Dumber because of a game of pool with director Peter Farrelly.
Woody Harrelson didn’t star in Dumb and Dumber because of a game of pool. Released in 1994, the iconic buddy comedy follows Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels as two dimwitted yet well-intentioned friends who embark on a cross-country road trip to return a suitcase full of money to its rightful owner, not realizing it was actually left behind as ransom. Dumb and Dumber was directed by Peter Farrelly and based on a script that he co-wrote with his brother, Bobby Farrelly.
During a recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Harrelson revealed that he almost starred in Dumb and Dumber, but didn’t because he was too good at pool.
Harrelson recalled when he was roommates with Peter Farrelly, who offered him a role in Dumb and Dumber. However, a hesitant Harrelson made him a deal, saying, “Let’s play a game of pool. And if I win, I’m not gonna do it. If you win, I’ll do it.” Harrelson won, though he now kicks himself for missing out on the iconic comedy. Read how the actor recalled the story below:
I said, “Petey, I’ll tell you what. I’m kind of torn, let’s play a game of pool. And if I win, I’m not gonna do it. If you win, I’ll do it.” So it came down to the eight-ball and it’s a shot that’s an insane slice shot into the pocket that most people, even Willie Mosconi, would’ve have trouble [with]. Me? I sinked that damn ball!
Every Woody Harrelson & Farrelly Brothers Collaboration
Though Harrelson didn’t star in Dumb and Dumber because of a game of pool, he did star in Kingpin two years later. Directed by both Farrelly brothers, the 1996 comedy followed Harrelson as a washed-up bowler who manages a prodigious Amish talent played by Randy Quaid. Though Kingpin did not become an iconic comedy on the level of Dumb and Dumber, it has garnered a cult following over the years.
Harrelson and one-half of the Farrelly brothers have now reunited for another sports movie, Champions, which releases in theaters on March 10. Directed by Bobby Farrelly in his solo directorial debut, Champions stars Harrelson as a disgraced basketball coach who, in order to fulfill a community service requirement, coaches a team of players with intellectual disabilities who soon find themselves competing for a spot in the Special Olympics. Though Harrelson missed out on the opportunity to star in Dumb and Dumber, his creative collaboration with the Farrelly brothers has still thrived over the years, as seen with his new release Champions.
Source: Late Night with Seth Meyers