Zach Galifianakis has been active in the entertainment industry since the late 1990s.
Having appeared in several TV series and movies, the talented actor and comedian didn’t receive his commercial breakthrough until 2009, when he starred in one of the highest-grossing comedies of the year: The Hangover, alongside Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms.
In the comedy film, which went on to inspire two sequels, Galifianakis plays the role of Alan, the immature brother of the future bride of Doug, who takes his friends to Las Vegas for his bachelor party.
While in Vegas, Alan’s actions lead to the group of men, affectionately known as the Wolfpack, forgetting the entire bachelor party and the whereabouts of Doug, who’s due home for his wedding.
Interestingly, there was another famous actor considered for the role of Alan before Galifianakis. Keep reading to find out who could have played Alan in The Hangover.
The Success Of ‘The Hangover’
Released in 2009, The Hangover spawned a trio of comedy films based on a group of friends who lose their other friend after a night of drunken partying.
The first film, starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis, grossed nearly $470 million at the box office from a budget of $35 million, making it one of the most successful films of the year. The film also features Heather Graham and Justin Bartha.
The final Hangover movie was released in 2013, four years after the first film came out. Interestingly, when they filmed the original movie, the cast had no clue they'd ever be working on a sequel, let alone a full trilogy.
The Role Of Alan In 'The Hangover'
In The Hangover, Galifianakis plays the role of Alan, the brother-in-law of Doug, played by Justin Bartha. Alan accompanies Doug and his friends Phil and Stu to Las Vegas for his bachelor party two days before Doug marries his sister.
While there, Alan spikes his friends’ drinks, causing them to forget the events of the previous night.
Playing Alan made Galifianakis a household name, and the actor left a globally positive impression. But there were a few other actors who were also considered for the role.
Alan Was Originally Going To Be A Different Character
In the early days of writing the script, the character of Alan was quite different from the way he ended up.
According to Complex, he was intended to be a “Jonah Hill character” instead, or a younger brother that the friends had no choice but to bring with them to Vegas.
Interestingly, Jonah Hill himself passed on a role in the film.
Eventually, Alan was changed to an older brother who was still living at home because the writers believed this would be funnier and more awkward.
Although Alan seems to be the most incompetent out of the group of friends, he does have hidden capabilities, like the hilarious ability to count cards and win tens of thousands of dollars gambling.
Jack Black Turned Down The Role Of Alan
According to several online sources, comedian Jack Black was considered for the role originally but turned it down.
In 2009, Black appeared in several other projects, including the film Year One, where he portrayed Ted.
He also acted as the Mayor in the TV series short Water and Power, guest-starred as Sam on the TV series The Office, and voiced the character of Eddie Riggs on the video game Brütal Legend.
While Jack Black turned down the role of Alan, Paul Rudd turned down the role of Phil, which eventually went to Bradley Cooper.
Seth Rogen was considered for the role of Stu before Ed Helms was cast.
Other Actors Were Also Considered
Something that many fans don't know about The Hangover is there were also other actors considered for the role of Alan before Zach Galifianakis was finally brought on.
According to News, Jake Gyllenhaal and Thomas Haden Church were contenders for the role at one stage. Ultimately, it was felt that Galifianakis was a better way to go.
At first, Galifianakis turned down the opportunity to meet with the filmmakers, after they first had the idea to cast him. Eventually, the actor and comedian agreed to take on the role.
Lindsay Lohan Was Also Considered For The Role Of Jade
Another famous name who could have starred in the film is Lindsay Lohan. The Mean Girls actress was contacted by director Todd Phillips about playing the role of Jade, the sex worker (whose baby the group ends up carrying around during their escapades) who marries an inebriated Stu.
According to the director, Lohan loved the role and the script, but all parties felt that she was too young to play Jade. While Graham was 37, Lohan had just turned 20 at the time of casting.
A common misconception about the movie is that Lindsay Lohan hated the script.
“People love to attack her for everything, like: "Ha, she didn't see how great The Hangover was going to be. She turned it down." the director revealed (via the Daily Mail).
"She didn't turn it down. She loved the script, actually. It really was an age thing.”
Fortunately, the film turned out excellently despite the initial casting concerns, and even baby Carlos became famous in his own rihgt.
Ultimately, The Hangover franchise now has a legacy that's unmatched.
