Much like every other Christopher Nolan movie, it took a hell lot of time for him to prepare for his 2006 sci-fi thriller The Prestige. Further, given his reputation in the industry, actors came flocking to the sets of Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman’s film, to have a role. But fate had a bizarre twist, given how the actor whom Nolan wanted, had already rejected the offer.
Christopher Nolan wanted renowned actor David Bowie to appear in The Prestige as the real-life inventor Nikola Tesla. However, despite the iconic offer, Bowie had initially rejected the role, which led Nolan to practically beg the late actor. Thankfully, lacking Plan B, and having his eyes fixed on Bowie, the filmmaker finally managed to convince him.
Christopher Nolan was Desperate to Cast David Bowie in The Prestige
Oscar-winner Christopher Nolan has always been the acclaimed filmmaker habituated with actors pleading with him for a role in his projects. But surprisingly fate took a turn when the director began working on his 2006 sci-fi thriller The Prestige. Having cast Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman in titular roles, Nolan was waiting to choose an actor for the role of Nikola Tesla.
Considering how the real-life inventor seemed like an otherworldly figure, Christopher Nolan was willing to hire someone for his role, who exhibited similar qualities. That’s when he got his eyes stuck on acclaimed musician and actor David Bowie. Considering the late star’s first major theatrical film role in The Man Who Fell to Earth in 1976, Nolan told EW, how he had his heart set on Bowie.
When we were casting The Prestige, we had gotten very stuck on the character of Nikola Tesla. Tesla was this other-worldly, ahead-of-his-time figure, and at some point, it occurred to me he was the original Man Who Fell to Earth.
As someone who was the biggest Bowie fan in the world, once I made that connection, he seemed to be the only actor capable of playing the part. He had that requisite iconic status, and he was a figure as mysterious as Tesla needed to be.
But surprisingly, David Bowie wasn’t interested in the role that Christopher Nolan had in store for him. Irrespective of the filmmaker’s reputation and the ensemble cast associated with The Prestige, the late legend had right away rejected Nolan. However, the filmmaker, habituated to actors accepting his offers at once, didn’t have a Plan B after Bowie’s rejection.
Christopher Nolan Literally Begged David Bowie Until He Accepted the Role
Perhaps facing rejection from a star for the first time, Christopher Nolan told the outlet how he had no other replacements in mind for the role of Nikola Tesla. Therefore, with a surge in desperation, Nolan revealed how he broke his rule of persuading someone twice and approached David Bowie to try and change his mind.
Thankfully, for Christopher Nolan, the second time was a charm, as he managed to convince David Bowie to take up the role of the physicist and inventor Nikola Tesla, in the 2006 movie The Prestige. To be specific, Nolan opened up about expressing his admiration for Bowie’s work and practically begging him to accept the offer.
It took me a while to convince him, though — he turned down the part the first time. It was the only time I can ever remember trying again with an actor who passed on me.
I petitioned to let me explain why he was the right actor for it. In total honesty, I told him if he didn’t agree to do the part, I had no idea where I would go from there. I would say I begged him.
Eventually, after David Bowie portrayed Nikola Tesla in The Prestige, the role became one of his most memorable performances that paid off the actor immensely. Much like Christopher Nolan had anticipated, Bowie’s talent elevated the narrative, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and reinforcing his legacy not just as a musician but as a remarkable actor.
The Prestige is currently available to watch on Prime Video.
