"Captain Ron"

Few know that Marlon Brando was originally slated to play the character of Captain Ron (in the film of the same name), but pulled out two weeks before production, citing personal issues. The producers, in dire straits, tried to secure Mel Gibson, who had been their second choice; however, he was already in the middle of shooting "Air America," with Robert Downey Jr. Finally, Kurt Russell was brought in on the recommendation of fellow cast member Martin Short. Now it seems impossible to imagine anyone but Kurt Russell playing the role of the free-spirited, unpredictable, immensely lovable Captain Ron.