The casting process for An American Werewolf in London was unconventional
The film's star, David Naughton, explained that his audition consisted of a meeting with director John Landis.
By the time casting began for An American Werewolf in London, the film had been in the works for a long time. Originally conceived by director John Landis over a decade previously, it took some time to find funding and distribution for such an unconventional film.
Before the film’s premiere, star David Naughton was best known for his work in commercials, including an incredibly popular campaign for Dr. Pepper. While the film wasn’t universally loved upon its premiere, it has since gained a cult-like status among horror fans everywhere, who widely laud the movie as one of the most frightening films of all time.
But in the film’s infancy, Landis kept An American Werewolf in London close to his heart. This meant that when casting the lead, Naughton experienced a very honest process when auditioning for the movie.
“The film was John’s baby,” said Naughton during an interview with the Daily News. “Instead of meeting after meeting and screen test after screen test, I only had to meet him. He told me about the script, but wouldn’t show it to me. He asked questions like whether I was claustrophobic because there was going to be some intense makeup. Did I feel physically up to such a strenuous role? Did I mind running around naked? I answered as actors do - ‘Yes, no, maybe...’”
Naughton’s answers were well-received, and he eventually won the role of a lifetime.
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