Brad Pitt Accused of 'Volatile' Behavior by 'Legends of the Fall' Director, Who Recalls On-Set Fights, Prompting Response From Industry Source

Tom Cruise was the first choice for the role that went to Brad…

Of course, Brad brought the character Tristan to life in the movie. However, Ed revealed that the first choice was Tom Cruise. He recalled meeting with the actor on the set of Far and Away.

While Tom had “penetrating and helpful things to say about the script,” it became clear that he was not going to move forward with the project.

“But after an hour or so, he asked about Tristan’s ethics—to which I responded that he essentially had none, and that was at the heart of the character. It was then I realized he would never do the movie,” Ed wrote. “Tom eventually demurred. We wouldn’t see each other again until ten years later when I directed him in The Last Samurai—which would be one of the most gratifying experiences of my career—but for now, my hunt for Tristan continued.”

He recalled Brad, who he’d first encountered on the set of thirtysomething, and convinced the rest of the team that he was the right fit for the role.

Brad and Ed were so dedicated to seeing the movie through that they agreed to early pay cuts…

Due to concerns about the movie’s “commercial prospects,” Tristar chairman Mike Medavoy demanded that the production cut $2 million from the budget. Ed and Brad agreed to take a pay cut with a caveat.

“When it reached a stalemate, he insisted that unless Brad and I give back half our fees, he would shut us down. I called Brad to see how he felt. Neither of us was making a killing on the movie, but like me Brad was so emotionally invested that he agreed. Our agents negotiated a caveat in our deals: should the movie do well at the box office, we would get paid double. It turned out to be one of the best bets either of us ever made,” Ed wrote.