When Ben Affleck was first cast as the lead in David Fincher’s "Gone Girl," many scoffed at the choice. But it turned out be a canny move by the director, one that added a meta-layer to the pulpy thriller. Affleck relished the opportunity to prove the haters wrong, giving a pitch-perfect performance as the not-so-innocent target of Amazing Amy. But, as always, things could’ve turned out different.
According to Page Six, at one point, "Mad Men" star Jon Hamm was up for the lead role, but reportedly, "Mad Men" creator Matthew Weiner blocked his chance to make the movie. “Matt would not let Jon out of his contract to do ‘Gone Girl.’ Jon was really upset about it at the time — and is still upset, because he’s thinking about the future of his career as ‘Mad Men’ comes to a close,” a source told the paper. Another contact chalked up Hamm not taking the role because of the "shooting schedule" of the show.
Whatever transpired, if there is bad blood, Hamm has been hiding it well, gamely taking on the final press run for "Mad Men," and sometimes participating in talks alongside Weiner (like this one).
Either way, Hamm as Nick Dunne is an intriguing notion, and he certainly would’ve been a good fit for the part. Thoughts? Weigh in below.