Actor Michael Keaton was to play Mystic River’s Sean Devine

Actor Michael Keaton was set to play Mystic River’s Sean Devine 

Our American correspondent Kevin Walsh dropped me this story last week – and I also found another source for it elsewhere on the web. I have to say, I had no knowledge of this story up until then, so I don’t know if it has been recently revealed or if it simply passed me by in the past? 

Apparently, when the film was just in its initial phase, the Batman star was chosen to play the role of Sean Devine alongside Penn. Therefore, to bring the true essence of Boston, the place where the film was set. the star arrived in the city to truly immerse himself in his character and execute it to perfection. But when he did multiple script overviews, he had some ideas about the character that he wanted Eastwood to implement changes to in the script. Since the director is also known for his smooth operations in his films, he declined to make any last-minute changes. 

One report state that, ‘This led to a very heated argument between the two, which ultimately led to the removal of Keaton as Sean Devine and Bacon getting the part instead. To this day, it’s widely regarded that if the Birdman star had gotten the role, his career might’ve been saved sooner than later.’

While another source said that, ‘With the exception of Bacon, both Penn and Robbins were Eastwood’s first choice for their respective roles of hardened ex-convict Jimmy Marcum and disturbed blue-collar stiff Dave Boyle. Michael Keaton was originally cast as the perpetually conflicted Det. Sean Divine, the role later embodied by Bacon. The actor even did several script readings with the principal cast, researched his role with the Massachusetts State Police Department and even lived in Boston for a few weeks, however, a month before principal photography was to kick-off Keaton parted ways with the project citing creative differences. A week later Kevin Bacon nabbed the role.’

All very interesting. I have to say, I’ve never been a major fan of Keaton’s work, but always admired Kevin Bacon – I often think he’s underappreciated. With hindsight, I couldn’t even begin to imagine anyone else other than Bacon in the role of Det. Sean Divine. 

Below: Top cast: Kevin Bacon, Sean Penn and Tim Robbins

* A reminder that Mystic River is the subject of the next episode of Pod Casty For Me, an excellent weekly podcast run by a couple of good friends Jake Serwin & Ian Rhine - keep up the great work guys! Oh and yes! It's ok to wear a vintage Bridges of Madison County sweatshirt 😄