Clint Eastwood Almost Tossed Out Unforgiven Script Without Seeing It

Fortunately for fans of the western genre everywhere, Eastwood ended up reading the script, and he loved it instantly. He liked it so much that he decided to direct and play the lead role, but he wanted to wait until he was the right age to play the part properly. Eastwood was extremely dedicated to the script, wanting to make sure everything was done the way it was originally written. It was love at first sight, and Eastwood was ready to get to work making the movie a reality.

Eastwood was able to make the film on a modest budget and a fantastic supporting cast that included Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman. Eastwood wasn't even the only one hesitant to sign on to the project, as Hackman was initially unsure if he would make the film.

In 1992, when the movie was released, Sonia Chernus must have really regretted the call she made. The film was both a critical and commercial success, Eastwood may not have realized his career would continue into his 90s, but the film still serves as a true swan song for the western genre as a whole, which has fallen out of favor with modern audiences. If there's a lesson here, it's to never take a friend's movie recommendation. They could be wrong.