1408director Mikael Håfström reveals how one of the lead roles was cast based on a Quentin Tarantino recommendation.1408is based on aStephen King short storyof the same name. The story revolves around supernatural skeptic author Mike Enslin’s (John Cusack) investigation of a supposed haunted hotel room and the events that unfold during his stay.
In an interview withThe Kingcast, Håfström shares an anecdote about how Jackson was cast in the role. Tarantino read the script, and despite not matching the physical description,he recommended that his frequent collaborator Samuel L. Jacksonplay the role of the hotel manager, Olin. Håfström took Tarantino’s advice and ultimately cast him in the role.
Olin is written in the script as a balding white guy. When we were trying to figure out who’s going to play him, Bob Weinstein called me one day and said “Quentin Tarantino read the script, and he really liked it, but he felt wouldn’t it be cool if Sam Jackson played Olin?” And I was like, well, if Quentin says that, well that’s a really good idea.
Jackson Helps Elevate 1408
The Movie Is Still Underappreciated
The addition of Jackson brings the movie to another level. For the majority of the film, Cusack is alone in his haunted hotel room. In order to help make scenes stand out where Cusack gets to work with another actor, talented performers needed to be cast. Actors like Tony Shalhoub and Isiah Whitlock Jr. give wonderful performances, but the standout is Jackson.
Part of what cements its legacy as such an indelible horror movie comes from Tarantino’s casting suggestion for Olin.
1408is underratedas a King adaptation. Part of what makes the movie work ishow well the scenes between Cusack and Jackson are performed. As the hotel manager, Olin tries to convince Enslin not to stay in the hotel room, telling him nobody has been able to stay in the room for over an hour and that 56 people have died in it. While the pair only share a few scenes, they are some of the most memorable in the movie.
1408is one of thebest Stephen King adaptations, but it does not get the recognition it deserves. While King movies have been coming out since 1976, starting withCarrie, and show no sign of slowing down, this one is still often overlooked. Although it certainly has its audience, it’s a movie that will hopefully grow in appreciation over time. Part of what cements its legacy as such an indelible horror movie comes from Tarantino’s casting suggestion for Olin.
1408
Cast
1408 follows a man who debunks paranormal phenomena, as he checks into the infamous room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel. His skepticism is put to the test when he encounters real horror within its walls.
