In the world of cinema, there are few names as revered as Meryl Streep. Known for her breathtaking performances and a seemingly endless array of awards, Streep is often considered one of the greatest actresses of her generation. It’s nearly unthinkable to imagine a director or producer passing on the opportunity to cast her in any role they could. However, even the brightest stars have stories of missed opportunities, and for Streep, one such tale is tethered to a classic monster movie that almost featured her in a leading role.
The film we’re referring to is none other than the 1976 rendition of “King Kong,” an iconic giant monster film that has captivated audiences since its first appearance on the big screen in 1933. The ’76 remake aimed to blend the wonder of the original tale with a more contemporary narrative, showcasing the grandeur of the beast against the backdrop of an evolving cinematic landscape.
This particular production of “King Kong,” helmed by director John Guillermin and produced by legendary filmmaker Dino De Laurentiis, has its own spot in film history. Yet, it might have taken a slightly different place if a young Meryl Streep had been cast in the role that ultimately went to Jessica Lange—her debut film performance that skyrocketed the actress to fame.
At the time, Streep was carving out her path in the world of acting, gradually garnering attention for her work on stage and television. However, her name had not yet become synonymous with the kind of high-caliber roles she would later master. According to industry accounts, Streep auditioned for the lead female part, striving to bring to life the character who encounters the formidable Kong during an expedition in the tropics.
Legend has it that Meryl Streep’s audition did not lead to her nabbing the role for a rather peculiar and somewhat controversial reason. As the story goes, producer Dino De Laurentiis, upon seeing Streep’s photos and before meeting her audition, reportedly made a disparaging comment about her appearance in Italian, not realizing that Streep was conversant in the language. Demonstrating her characteristic poise and quick wit, Streep replied in Italian, leaving a lasting impression, yet the encounter concluded without an offer extending her way.
Jessica Lange, a model with little acting experience at the time, eventually received the part. Her portrayal of the film’s female protagonist helped establish her as a formidable presence in Hollywood, leading to a prolific career of her own. Despite not landing the role, Streep’s experience during this passage of her budding career did not deter her. She soon went on to secure roles that would establish her as a force in film acting, winning the first of many Oscars for her performance in “Kramer vs. Kramer” just a few years later.
This near-miss in casting for “King Kong” stands as an intriguing footnote in entertainment lore, a what-if scenario that serves to underscore how close the film came to featuring one of Hollywood’s premier talents in the early stages of its journey. It’s a reminder of the curious alchemy of casting and the pivotal connections and events that can shape an artist’s trajectory.
While Streep did not become part of the storied franchise that has birthed numerous remakes, spin-offs, and a sizable cult following, the episode highlights the unpredictability of the film industry. Often, it is these unexpected pockets of misfortune that prop up the foundations upon which an artist’s resilient spirit is forged. This particular narrative of rejection offers insight into how potential is recognized and rewarded in real-time far removed from what it could have been.
The casting anecdote serves as a testament not only to Streep’s grace under pressure but also to the fact that success in Hollywood is rarely a straight path. While “King Kong” inevitably succeeded without her involvement, the film perhaps missed the chance to become the project that released Streep’s eminent talent into the hearts of filmgoers earlier than anticipated. Meanwhile, Jessica Lange benefited from her serendipitous turn, going on to become an acclaimed and iconic actress in her own right.
The roads not taken by filmmakers often serve as quiet reminders of the industry’s infinite array of possibilities, where every decision, both major and minor, can set the course of cinematic history. For actors like Meryl Streep, each role lost or gained contributes a brushstroke to their evolving portrait, one marked by resilience, talent, and grace.
Ultimately, the world never had the chance to behold Meryl Streep on Skull Island, opposite a towering primate, etching yet another majestic entry into her body of work. Instead, her unparalleled career unfolded in directions that might have been marred by premature typecasting or failed collaborations, offering instead an expansive portfolio of diverse, liberated performances.
Thus, the saga of Meryl Streep and the missed opportunity of playing a role in “King Kong” remains a fascinating anecdote. It is a story not vested in regret but rather in the celebration of what followed—a thriving career defined by enriching performances that continue to captivate and inspire millions worldwide. As the saga of “King Kong” endures in cinema’s rich tapestry, so too does Streep’s legacy, thriving splendidly despite the paths initially unfollowed behind her.
