I feel like La La Land kind of shocked the hell out of everyone with its success. When I hear people talking about the traction it’s gained, it’s tinged with a “huh?” intonation. I haven’t seen it so please don’t read that as me bashing the movie, that’s just how people I know talk about it. Now that it’s collecting awards, everyone is paying attention. And, as happens when you get sleeper hits, there is much discussion on who passed on the project and why. (And how hard are they kicking themselves?) In LLL’s case, the spotlight is on Emma Watson and Miles Teller who were both tethered to the project when it started. Teller was apparently offered the role by director Damian Chazelle when they worked on the film Whiplash. Watson was in negotiations with her former agency but that fizzled when she switched to CAA, the agency which also reps Teller. So what happened? According to Page Six and The Hollywood Reporter, Emma wanted the rehearsals moved to London and then simply opted out to film Beauty and the Beast. Teller is said to have balked at the $4 million salary, demanding $6 million instead.
Miles Teller and Emma Watson — both repped by CAA — were originally tapped as leads in the movie, but Hollywood insiders said both lost the roles for being too demanding.
One movie insider said, “Miles was offered $4 million to star in ‘La La Land,’ but he said he wanted $6 million. Watson was offered the lead female role, but she initially wouldn’t commit. Then she began making all these crazy demands, like rehearsals for the film must be done in London — for a film called ‘La La Land’! They jumped through hoops to make it work with her, but she just didn’t feel the film was right for her.
“Producers finally cast Emma Stone — and once she was on board, Ryan Gosling jumped at the chance to work with her again.”
The source added, “Now both Miles and Emma Watson are raising hell with their agents for not securing the roles for them — even though it was the actors’ fault for being too demanding.” British actress Watson — best known for playing Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” films — began her negotiations when she was represented by rival agency WME, but signed with CAA in December. Other sources insist she stepped away to do Disney’s live-action “Beauty and the Beast” film.
Other than what this article purports, I have not heard Watson discussing LLL. I don’t think she cares that much, she has enough money and awards don’t seem to be that important to her. However Teller, who likes to say things and then tweet that he never said them, says this story is wrong. He even delved into current politics to make his point:
.@PageSix @nypost "reporting" alternative facts.
— Miles Teller (@Miles_Teller) January 28, 2017
My first thought was, “why does he care?” But then I remembered this is Miles Teller and his favorite pastime is seeing how far he can shove his foot in his mouth. However, I do think there is more here. Teller has maintained since 2015 that he was unceremoniously dropped from the project when his agent called and told him, “Hey, I just got a call from Lionsgate. Damien told them that he no longer thinks you’re creatively right for the project. He’s moving on without you.” Teller said he texted Chazelle, “what the f—k, bro?” but that’s as far as that story goes, which intrigues me the most. Teller has no problem throwing shade at people so why not shade any and all involved in this negotiation if they deserve it? The author of the Esquire article editorialized that before answering about LLL, “Teller gets a little nervous telling the story, tearing his dinner roll to shreds.” I think it’s personal. I think something went down between him and Chazelle and made this personal. Of course, I write gossip and a good old-fashioned boy fight would be great for gossip so that might be clouding my judgement.
Tangentially, Teller has often spoken about the bad car accident he suffered when he was 20. Apparently, he was involved in yet another scary car accident this past December. Fortunately, everyone involved is okay now but Teller’s SUV flipped with him and his girlfriend in it when an Uber driver pulled out in front of him on a wet road. I’m glad everyone is okay.
Photo credit: Twitter and Fame/Flynet Photos
Miles Teller has the face that naturally says “A**hole”
Or that one customer at a restaurant who tells the server ” My water is not cold enough” Then proceeds to pull out a thermometer to prove his point.
I think if he would get rid of that little dirtstache, it might help to not have an a hole face lol
Yes. and I will now always think men with small mouths (e.g. Trump) look like a-holes, with the mouth being the you know what.
I’m glad they didn’t get cast. The movie wiuldn’t be the success that it is with them as leads. Miles is way too unlikable and Emma just isn’t talented enough.
It would have been a very different movie. Miles is very talented but he doesn’t have the charm Ryan has and I don’t think he could fake it. Emma is not talented enough.
I agree. For me, personally, the movie was always going to be carried by the two leads and Stone and Gosling have mad chemistry. Wrong casting, different movie.
yeah this movie would NOT have clocked any Oscar nominations with Teller and Watson in the lead.
everyone likes to talk about how Stone isn’t that great but without her, LLL wouldn’t be getting awards attention.
agree – Ryan made this movie. Also, I think the real story may be that they were able to get Ryan interested and then, it was on to better things.
Miles and Emma would have made this movie way better than the white privileged snooze it really is. Emma and Ryan are the epitome of over paid, over entitled white actors. No diversity, no charisma. Miles is an asshole but he’s way more talented than Gosling. Emma Watson without a doubt outacts Stone.
“Emma Watson without a doubt outacts Stone. ”
please let me know where the portal to your alternate universe is, because that statement is def. not true in this one.
Watson is very limited as an actress. Stone IS better.
Anyway, all four actors are over privileged.
Stone is overrated in this role, but she is a much better actress than Emma Watson. I was disappointed that she was cast as Belle in Beauty and the Beast, my favorite Disney movie. Watson’s acting is horrible, but she has a huge fan base, and that combined with Disney magic will rake in the dough for the film. It would have been nice if lesser known actresses with more talent and who are better dancers and singers were cast in both La La Land and Beauty and the Beast.
in which world do we live in, where miles teller is more expensive than gosling? who is miles teller anyway? i don’t think i’ve ever seen him in anything.
ETA: i just scrolled his and his gf’s twitter for the giggles, and i found this gem from her ‘Lot of talk about taking care of immigrants, what about talk of taking care of our veterans who wait for years for therapy and attention?’
no. these 2 are both cancelled.
I’ve only seen him in the Divergent movie, where (surprise!) he played an arse; he would have been totally unlikeable and wrong for the role. I like Gosling and even think the role fits him better even if I have not seen the movie (it’s a comedy though and Gosling manages better in those)
He was quite good in Whiplash, Chazelle’s first oscar nomitated film (it’s a FANTASTIC film, overall).
I’m with you. Not sure he has the same pull as Gosling in the UK (or other global markets).
You need to raise your profile, son!
I’m sure he’s not. Gosling and Stone have mentioned that they try to work together, so most likely Gosling took a substantial lower amount than his normal quote
Right?! I don’t get this guy at all. What exactly is so great about him. He does have ass face tho.
I’ve never heard of him before! And I’m German.
Of course Gosling, Stone and Watson are well known for the average moviegoer in Germany.
As a veteran presently in the VA medical system, it INFURIATES me when people try to use me as an excuse against assisting refugees–or ANYONE, for that matter. It isn’t a zero sum game. Decent humans care about both/all.
Thank you so much for your service, and I hope your health improves very soon!
Alex Pettyfer screwed himself out of Hollywood by over-demanding for money too. This is a common thread with young guys who get too big for their britches. It’s the otherside of the gender pay gap.
At least he’s hot…. this guy? He’s so ugg I can’t barely look at his picture.
Why anyone is paying him a DIME to do do anything in Hollywood is beyond me. I’d rather see potato head fumbling around than this douche.
Yep. I vaguely remember an article in one of the trade papers about Alex screaming on set having discovered that his co-star was making more. Alex later “clarified” in an interview that he walked offset to scream and nobody heard him so it was ok. If nobody heard him, how did the story leak?
But I think the main similarity between Miles and Alex is how they leave a trail of enemies on practically every set they work on. I wouldnt be surprised if the LalaLand director only booked Miles because he desperately needed name recognition to get it greenlit and then ditched him when it was clear they could get a more malleable famous actor.
And to turn down $4 million?? At this stage of your career. At ANY stage of a career. WTF? I’m amazed they offered him that much.
Alex Pettyfer, now there’s a cautionary tale. Blond, blue eyed, great looking white man and even with that Hollywood couldn’t excuse his conduct. 😉
La La Land would have been a completely different movie with those 2. For some reason, Milles comes across as unlikeable but I think he’s better actor than Ryan. The Emma’s are both talented but Watson is not giving me the dreamer type. Anyway I watched it yesterday and while it wasn’t bad, I imagined something different, like mind blowing. Stone is not award deserving. The whole Oscar thing is giving me Jennifer Lawrence vibes. Good actress pushed down our throats by HW system.
‘For some reason, Milles comes across as unlikeable’
going by some of the things he say, he comes across as unlikable because he actually is unlikable.
Emma S is, I would say an above average actress. Not stellar but good. Emma W is barely mediocre.
Miles comes across as unlikable because he is unlikable. But he is talented.
Miles is someone who would take a professional decision very personally. I understand it somewhat as with actors its a bit more personal than in other professions and he worked with Damian before. If the director just texted him I would also see that as a little insulting.
But for the whole story I dont see any drama there. The studio could replace Emma W with Emma S and Miles T with Ryan G. Who wouldnt do that? Thats like an upgrade on a flight. It had nothing to do with Miles salary or Emmas demands.
P.s. if they both have self awareness the should know the movie wouldnt have been as succesful with both of them.
I had to google to see what the hell he’s been in. He looks over-rated as all get out.
Teller may be a dick, but I doubt he demanded a huge salary. He drives a jeep and doesn’t have a reputation for flashing dollars. I remember that the initial report was that after Emma Watson dropped out and Emma Stone joined the studio wanted Ryan, so they shoved Miles out and wrote it off as “scheduling issues.” Except it seems like Miles opened his mouth about the text message and it spiraled. It is not that uncommon for actors to be replaced after recasting is done..it just usually isn’t so messy because everyone keeps quiet.
Unpopular opinion: Miles would have been better than Ryan. Even though miles teller is such a douchebag, Ryan gosling is only a serviceable actor. Although he is probably better at selling movies because he is so charming.
Emma Stone was a good choice over Emma Watson.
I completely disagree. Ryan Gosling is a fantastic actor and he picks his projects extremely well. He is the only actor of his generation whose name alone with convince me to watch a film. As for Miles Teller, the last film I saw him in was Fantastic Four so I think he is clearly a very hit or miss actor.
Middle ground: Gosling often comes across as chilly and unemotional but he channels that into guys who we believe are chilly and unemotional because we know them in real life. I think Teller is the better actor but Gosling somehow manages to ooze charm in a way Teller can’t (and IRL during interviewsw he usually comes across as a dick.)
I think La La Land needed an alternate male lead after Whiplash. Whiplash was all about the extreme, cruel and narcissistic personalities that often accompany genius and/or deep thirst for success. LLL was about sacrificing for your dreams and letting them tear your heart out when you fall in love but still love your dream more. I don’t think the contrast would be as pronounced without two differing versions of what it means to live your dream via the male lead.
I agree. Ryan played this part perfectly and made you really like the guy, even after initial bad behavior. I’ve seen Miles in that one movie about “stars” or something – set in high school with the girlfriend who gets sick – and while he was good, I found him annoying and irritating. I think a big part of this movie’s success is due to Ryan and his charm.
Don’t know anything about him except the 2 films I’ve seen him in: Whiplash and Rabbit Hole.
I guess I’m in the extreme minority here but those two performances were very good and the latter one was really heartbreaking.
Not sure Gosling is so far above him, but I haven’t checked La La Land yet.
I truly dislike him but as far as I’ve seen his work, he’s a very convincing actor, although I agree with everybody here than the movie would had been totally different.
Agree, he was amazing in Whiplash, worthy of an Oscar nom in my opinion. He was also great in War Dogs (ugh) and that shitty Fantastic Four remake. Despite being an asshole in real life, he does have a charm and charisma onscreen, so I think he would have done a good job in LLL as well (but Watson definitely would have been a mistake).
Whiplash was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G that’s the movie that should had gotten all the attention. The story was compelling, the acting was perfect and the ending was one of the best I’ve seen in a while. La-la-land is a cute story bur completely forgettable.
this is emma Watson’s second career mistake. she was suppose to play the lead character in room but she backed out to film beauty and the beast. brie larson later won the oscar for her performance in room. now this. emma stone is going to win the Oscar for lead actress. this is a wrong career choice for emma Watson. its better to have critical acclaim that commercial success.
beauty and the beast looks like a hot mess.
emma Watson would have been fantastic in la la land or room. she’s adorable and has a loving kind face. she should fire her agent.
“its better to have critical acclaim that commercial success.”
Not necessarily. It depends on what one wants out of their acting career.
It does depend on what you want but the odd thing is I’m surprised she went to commercial route. She made insane money off Harry Potter and could not work a day for pay in her life if she wanted. Eh, who knows.
My guess is that Watson would love critical acclaim. She seems like the type who wants that over commercial success, although I’m sure she, like most actors, want both. La La Land has received commercial and critical acclaim. Of course Watson would have wanted it, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she did chew out her agent for allowing her to miss another opportunity at an Oscar.
Emma would have never been able to pull of the role in Room. Brie is 10 times the actress she is.
Emma would have ruined Room, she doesn’t have the acting chops to carry a movie like that while Brie was fantastic in it.
Whaaaat!!! I heard she auditioned for Room and didn’t get it (Shailene Woodley also auditioned for Room). I’m gonna need to see some receipts because I cannot believe she would have been their first choice over Brie and Shailene! She is honestly one of the worst actresses I’ve ever seen. How she continues to get roles is beyond me.
“How [Watson] continues to get roles is beyond me. ”
Two words: Harry Potter.
and Hollywood has a habit of considering actresses who don’t and never will have the chops, for roles they would never be fit for. (See also: Flake Lively getting an audition for Gravity (!!)
Emma Watson doesn’t have much by way of talent but she does have instant name recognition, I imagine that gets her a lot of look-ins for roles she really can’t perform.
I read they said no to Emma for Room, she wasn’t in serious contention.
I strongly dislike the major sexist overtones in the reporting of this issue.
Emma was SO DEMANDING and insisted on everything being done her way and then flippantly changed her mind at the last minute and did another film instead (LOL WOMEN ARE SO FLAKEY AND PETULANT), how unprofessional! Miles insisted on a higher fee that he felt he deserved and didn’t back down so they went with someone else. What a good strong guy for sticking to his guns.
Emma Watson is getting some rep of being demanding isn’t she?
As much as I hate to agree with Miles Teller, I really do believe that the issue with him was not money, but obviously either the director wanting to go in a different direction or the studio wanting to do so. He seemed hurt in that interview to be dismissed from the role.
I don’t think Miles helps himself, though, by coming across arrogant.
Re: Emma – I’ve read a lot of accounts that she’s not very nice to people she thinks are beneath her (e.g. set crew), plus there was that story from Lucinda Chambers regarding her attitude when Vogue UK had a mishap regarding lost clothes for a photo shoot.
Miles is not doing himself any favors with his attitude, either, especially when he doesn’t have many reasons to be so arrogant.
@OhDear – do you have a link to the story about the lost clothes? I remember Lucinda mentioning that the clothes for Watson’s first Vogue cover shoot went missing on the Eurostar but never any hint that she threw a strop over it.
(also, if she had a tantrum at Lucinda f-cking Chambers, she can just fvck off)
@teacakes I can’t find a link to the comments that’s not from a Watson fan blog. I think she made the comments at the Vogue Festival 2015.
Someone quotes part of Chambers’ account in this old post (comment #6), but there’s no link – basically that the clothes for the shoot got lost/stolen by Eurostar and Watson got pissed, told Chambers that she (Watson) had been waiting 10 years for this, and nearly walked off the shoot: http://www.celebitchy.com/440412/emma_watson_is_declared_the_voice_of_a_generation_on_the_cover_of_vogue_uk/
@OhDear – thanks! I remember thinking that cover looked really nice because it was so simple and unfussy, but damn you’d think a starlet, even a rich one, would know better than to have her tantrum in front of a Vogue editor!
And that was smack in the middle of Emma’s brat phase when she was blowing off movie photocalls and talking about how oppressive and restricting Harry Potter was because they didn’t let her dye her hair and made her wear a sports bra.
I think the move was fine, overrated but fine. Miles Teller has this smug quality that would have irritated me in the role and while I think Emma Watson seems lovely as a person, she’s just not that good of an actress. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened if they starred in it instead of Emma S and Gosling, who are pretty adored at this point.
It’s a movie that is driven by the chemistry of its two leads, so when one of them is changed the balance is thrown off. It makes it seem less heartless when you can blame it on money, but I’d say that the moment that Emma Stone signed up Teller was out of his league and was probably out. While I can’t picture him singing or dancing he’s immensely watchable on screen. Hopefully this doesn’t go like Danny Boyle -Ewan MacGregor where they don’t talk for years and years.
Wow… I had no idea about the McGregor – Boyle feud all these years. Just watched an enduring interview with the cast and director of the new Trainspotting film on the Graham Norton show to get caught up. Glad all is well in the world of Trainspotting again.
I enjoyed the movie but wouldn’t have pegged it for the best of the year.
I would NOT have gone to see it if Miles Teller had been in the lead role, probably not for Watson either. Miles annoys me a lot, he’s not a bad actor but I don’t want to see his movies.
He’s not too expensive he is too much of an arseh*le.
Classic Kate Hudson is dating move. PR PR PR
I usually like actors with interesting faces -like Joaquin Phoenix for example. But I swear there were scenes in Whip Lash where Miles’s face made me a little nauseous. I definitely think he’s a good actor but he has a really unpleasant face and he has a smug unlikeable persona. He is my new Kirsten Stewart. For the longest time I could not figure out why she was so successful. I feel exactly the same way about Miles. (Kirsten has weirdly enough, grown on me so who knows what the future will bring).
Emma is adorable and charming but only serviceable as an actress. She probably would’ve been fine in the film but I doubt she would’ve had much chemistry with him. I can’t imagine anyone having chemistry with him tbh. yuck.
That dickie/turtleneck in that picture tho….