Michael Douglas admits he was wrong about Glenn close

Michael Douglas has revealed that he initially doubted Glenn Close was suitable for her iconic role in the 1987 psychological thriller Fatal Attraction, admitting that her audition completely changed his mind.

Reuniting on The Graham Norton Show on October 30, the Hollywood stars reflected on the film’s production and the unexpected journey that led Close to play Alex Forrest opposite Douglas.

Douglas, now 82, recalled that the filmmakers had initially dismissed Close for the role, believing she was not the right fit. However, Close’s agent pushed for an audition, giving the actress an opportunity to prove her abilities.

Her performance left the team stunned. Douglas admitted that they had made a serious mistake in underestimating her talent, praising her complete command of the character.

Close went on to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Alex, a woman whose affair with a married man develops into a disturbing obsession.

The actress also revisited the film’s controversial ending. The original version showed Alex dying by suicide, with Dan facing arrest for her death. However, test audiences rejected the conclusion, prompting the filmmakers to change it.

Close initially resisted the decision to reshoot the ending, arguing that she did not view Alex as a psychopath. The final theatrical version instead featured Beth, played by Anne Archer, shooting Alex after she threatened her family.

The reunion comes as Douglas promotes his memoir, One Helluva Ride. Meanwhile, Close is preparing for her appearance as Drusilla in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping and is scheduled to receive an honorary Academy Award at the Governors Awards on November 15.