10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Last Castle

When you’re discussing some of the most memorable films of 2001 people tend to talk about Denzel’s Training Day or Clooney and Co. in Ocean’s Eleven. Two films that are very much still talked about today and ones that have taken the actors involved to new heights in the action and heist(?) genres. The film that I often bring up from 2001, however, is the military prison extravaganza, The Last Castle. With a cast including Robert Redford, James Gandolfini, Mark Ruffalo, and Delroy Lindo, how could one not rank this amongst the best of the decade. It’s certainly one that inspired me in my formative years and one that I’m thrilled to write about now. Here are 10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Last Castle.

1. James Gandolfini was originally reluctant to take on the role. He had never served in the military and the script didn’t really appeal to him. What finally got him on board was a lengthy speech his character delivered in the script. Sadly, the scene was not in the final product.

2. Robert Redford had trouble getting the salute down. During his first scene teaching Clifton Collin’s Jr.’s Aguilar to salute, it took Redford roughly twenty takes to get his right.

3. This same prison was used in the film The Green Mile.

4. The original screenplay written by David Scarpa showed Irwin as a much less sympathetic character. In it he was a violent taskmaster who brutalized the other inmates into joining his mission to rid the prison of Colonel Winter. The script was changed to the theatrical version when Robert Redford boarded the project.

5. The original poster, showing an upside down flag (distress signal) was changed after the tragedies of September 11th, 2001.

6. Redford was interested in the film because it was a real strong character piece about leadership. Redford never served in the military but members of his family had and he drew on some of those experiences for the role.

7. Mark Wahlberg was originally announced for the role of Yates (played by Mark Ruffalo). Thankfully, we weren’t subjected to that piece of trash actor.

8. Unlike loser Wahlberg, Mark Ruffalo did his own stunts. Even climbing the chain to the helicopter in the finale.

9. Many of the prisoners were unknown actors when they got the role. The feelings that the men in the film have about General Irwin being almost god-like is similar to how many of them felt when Robert Redford, himself, was on set.

10. An alternate ending was filmed showing the funeral of General Irwin. It featured his graveside ceremony, and the flag being presented to his daughter and grandson by General Wheeler.