Ron Howard Reveals Nicole Kidman Was His Top Choice for 'Far and Away' Over Tom Cruise

In a recent discussion, filmmaker Ron Howard disclosed that actress Nicole Kidman was his preferred choice for the lead role in the film "Far and Away," despite Tom Cruise's significant star power at the time. Howard, speaking to an audience, admitted that he strategically downplayed Kidman's importance to Cruise, who was dating her during the film's production. He emphasized that Kidman, then a rising star, was always at the top of his casting list, even before considering Cruise for the project. At the time of filming, Cruise was a major Hollywood figure, while Kidman had yet to achieve the blockbuster success that would come later in the 1990s. Howard's revelation sheds light on the dynamics of casting decisions in Hollywood, particularly how personal relationships can influence professional choices. Despite Howard's vision, "Far and Away" underperformed at the box office, grossing only $59 million against a $60 million budget, which Howard described as a disappointing outcome. Reflecting on the film's reception, Howard likened it to a collaboration between legendary directors Frank Capra and John Ford, suggesting it had potential that was not fully realized. He also recounted an incident during filming where Cruise sustained an injury while riding a horse, highlighting the inherent risks involved in such stunts. Overall, Howard's insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes decisions that shape Hollywood productions.