John Lennon Was Originally Considered for a Role in ‘WarGames’
During the early days of writing the script for the 1983 movie WarGames, John Lennon was considered for the role of Stephen Falken. This unique casting choice was discussed in…
During the early days of writing the script for the 1983 movie WarGames, John Lennon was considered for the role of Stephen Falken.
This unique casting choice was discussed in a 2008 retrospective piece from Wired that has recently resurfaced. Lawrence Lasker and Walter F. Parkes, who were the film's screenplay writers, said they initially thought of casting Stephen Hawking. However, that idea was nixed by a superior because they "didn't like the idea of a man in a wheelchair in a war room, because it was too much like 'Dr. Strangelove.'"
Parkes noted, "We always pictured John Lennon, because he was kind of a spiritual cousin to Stephen Hawking."
Lasker said, "We had communicated with Hawking — not directly. And through David Geffen, we'd communicated with John Lennon, and he was interested in the role." He added, "I was writing the first scene where we meet Hawking — Falken — in the movie. He was an astrophysicist in our second draft. I was staring at the cover of the November '80 issue of 'Esquire,' with Lennon on the cover, and describing his face, when a friend of mine — a bit of a jerk — called and said, 'You're gonna have to find a new Falken.'"
The role of Falken, of course, eventually went to John Wood, who also voiced NORAD supercomputer WOPR.
WarGames is one of many classic films celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Keep scrolling to see which other film are turning 40 in 2023.
29 Movies That Turn 40 in 2023
When looking at the movies that turn 40 in 2023, one thing is very clear: 1983 kind of ruled!
In 1983, a holiday classic was born with A Christmas Story. Meanwhile, a star was born in Tom Cruise thanks to Risky Business. Women started cutting up their sweatshirts thanks to Flashdance, and a new sex symbol was born thanks to that gold bikini in Return of the Jedi. We also said hello to a little friend (Scarface), gave our daughter the shot (Terms of Endearment) and were gagged with a spoon (Valley Girl.)
Here are 29 movies that turn 40 in 2023. Even the biggest cynic would agree that 1983 at the movies was totally tubular.
WarGames
Released on June 3, 1983.
A Christmas Story
Released on November 18, 1983.
National Lampoon’s Vacation
Released on July 29, 1983.
Trading Places
Released on June 8, 1983.
Scarface
Released on December 9, 1983.
The Outsiders
Released on March 25, 1983.
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
Released on May 25, 1983.
Risky Business
Released on August 5, 1983.
Christine
Released on December 9, 1983.
Never Say Never Again
Released on October 7, 1983.
Octopussy
Released on June 10, 1983.
Flashdance
Released on April 15, 1983.
Staying Alive
Released on July 15, 1983.
Private School
Released on July 29, 1983.
The Big Chill
Released on September 28, 1983.
Valley Girl
Released on April 29, 1983.
Terms of Endearment
Released on November 23, 1983.
Cujo
Released on August 12, 1983.
Mr. Mom
Released on August 19, 1983.
Sudden Impact
Released on December 9, 1983.
Yentl
Released on November 18, 1983.
All the Right Moves
Released on October 21, 1983.
Silkwood
Released on December 14, 1983.
Class
Released on July 6, 1983.
The Meaning of Life
Released on March 31, 1983.
Uncommon Valor
Released on December 16, 1983.
Rumble Fish
Released on October 21, 1983.
Bad Boys
Released on March 25, 1983.
Easy Money
Released on August 19, 1983.
