Here are some highlights from that conversation.
Inspiration ended up coming from close to home via a neighbor named Lowell.
And he said hello, Id like to introduce myself.
Credit: Everett Collection
I am from Arkansas.
And like Lloyd, Lowell was an avid kickboxer and called it the sport of the future.
I was able to tell him later, Thanks for the inspiration, Crowe said.
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Cusack, for his part, says that he found himself pulling inspiration from his director as well.
He and Crowe also connected connected over the idea that Lloyd was a warrior for optimism.
They sat together and it just looked so right.
So my heart was racing, it was great.
But other people were also considered for the role of James Court, including the legendary Dick Van Dyke.
So when he knew that we were seriously interested in talking about him, he got very excited.
But was honored to come in.
(Richard Dreyfus was another potential contender.
Per Crowe, he was sent the screenplay early on and wrote back: Great script.
I want to play Lloyd.)
Mahoney ultimately landed the role as James Court, and Skye recalled them having a special bond.
(Mahoney died in 2018.)
(Yes, seriously.
Dont do that, people!)
He wanted a ton of money, he said.
It was tough to get but … Cameron couldnt have any other song.
Passion has a purpose.
Passion does move things.
Its a gleefully analog movie, said Cusack.
I would hate to have to try and think of this movie without a boombox or without records.
Skye added, That moment with the boombox is so good.
Its perfect the way it is.
The pair also discussed if they reacted to any parts of the film differently now, three decades on.
I remember every second of it, Skye said.
I really havent seen it for like 20 years or something, and I really absorbed this movie.
I feel it was like just watching it the way I watched it back then.
All these rest stops and views and vistas.
I think thats what makes this really special are those layers of depth underneath.
