Thornton and Bates Discuss Misery, Career Revivals

Billy Bob Thornton revealed to Kathy Bates during Variety’s Actors on Actors that he was nearly cast in Misery as the sheriff’s deputy before director Rob Reiner cut the role, with Reiner personally informing Thornton of the change. Bates was surprised by this revelation, as the two have been friends since working together in Primary Colors in 1998 and later reunited in Bad Santa 2. Both are now leading major TV shows: Bates stars in CBS’s Matlock, which explores themes of aging and invisibility, a role she nearly declined until a script twist convinced her otherwise. Bates reflected on almost quitting acting after feeling overlooked in film before Matlock reinvigorated her career. Thornton leads Paramount+’s Landman, where he quickly bonded with the cast despite little preparation time. Their discussion highlighted the unpredictability of show business and the value of long-term professional relationships.