Why Paul Newman Was Replaced in a Landmark Oscar-Winning Film
In the 1970s, Paul Newman was at the height of his career, but a director’s bold casting choice changed the course of a major movie—and Hollywood history. Discover the behind-the-scenes decision that led to a record-breaking Oscar win.
During the 1970s, Paul Newman stood as one of the most sought-after stars in Hollywood. With a string of box office hits and five Academy Award nominations under his belt, he was the kind of actor studios dreamed of landing. His involvement in any project instantly elevated its status, making him a magnet for top-tier directors and producers. Yet, despite his star power, there was one major film where he was replaced before cameras even rolled—a move that would have a lasting impact on the industry.
Plans for a Family Affair
When Paramount Pictures acquired the rights to Joe David Brown’s novel Addie Pray, the studio quickly set the wheels in motion for a big-screen adaptation. The project, retitled Paper Moon, initially had legendary filmmaker John Huston attached to direct. Huston, fresh off a collaboration with Newman on The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, wanted to reunite with the actor. The idea was for Newman to play Moses Pray, with his real-life daughter, Elinor (known professionally as Nel Potts), cast as Addie Loggins. Newman, who had previously worked with his daughter on a couple of films, was eager to share the screen with her again.
Alvin Sargent, who had written the screenplay for The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, was brought on to adapt the script. Everything seemed set for another Newman family project, but things took a sharp turn when Huston exited the film. The studio then tapped Peter Bogdanovich to take over as director, and that’s when the casting plans began to unravel.
Bogdanovich’s Bold Move
Bogdanovich had a different vision for the film and wasn’t interested in working with the Newmans. He later explained his reasoning, saying,
I think it ’s the best work Ryan O’Neal’s done. That wonderful laugh he came up with, that cackle, was just wonderful. Paramount owned the property originally and had John Huston lined up to direct with Paul Newman and his daughter to star. Then they wanted me to direct, but I didn’t particularly want to do it with Paul. I wanted to do it with Ryan, so that’s what happened.
His comments made it clear that he was set on casting Ryan O’Neal in the lead role, even if it meant sidelining one of Hollywood’s biggest names. The studio ultimately agreed, and the Newmans were replaced by Ryan O’Neal and his young daughter, Tatum.
A Historic Oscar Moment
With the O’Neals in place, Paper Moon went on to become a massive success, earning back its budget many times over. The film’s most remarkable achievement came at the Academy Awards, where Tatum O’Neal won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. At just ten years old, she became the youngest person ever to win a competitive acting Oscar—a record that still stands today.
Paul Newman never publicly addressed the casting change, choosing to keep his thoughts private. Had things gone differently, it might have been his own daughter accepting that historic award. Instead, a director’s bold decision reshaped the film’s legacy and left a permanent mark on Hollywood history.