Twenty years ago, "Saved by the Bell" alum Elizabeth Berkley attempted to break out of her teen star image by starring in the racy "Showgirls" movie, a project that was created as an "erotic drama" that ultimately led to a box office flop - and one Oscar winner was almost cast in the lead role.
Back in 1995, Charlize Theron only had one film to her name and it was a "Children of the Corn" sequel, so not exactly award show material - and the fact that she was unknown at that point ended up saving her from being cast in the "Showgirls" movie.
In a recent interview with The New York Daily News, the "Showgirls" movie director, Paul Verhoeven, revealed that Theron auditioned for the lead role of Nomi Malone in the cult classic and that she had no problem with the perspective of stripping down for the film - but her lack of fame ended up playing against her.
"Charlize also auditioned, and I don't recall her having any problem with the nudity at all," said the director about the "Showgirls" movie auditions at the time, according to Us Weekly. "She was good and wanted the part, but basically she was not well-known enough at the time and just did not fit the part, so we said no."
In the same interview about the "Showgirls" movie flop, Verhoeven also apologized publicly for the way things went down for star Berkley, saying the film "ruined" her career and blaming himself for the terrible reviews her performance got at the time.
As Cinema Blend reports, there was another revelation about "Showgirls" in the recent interview, as Verhoeven not only defended the film but also called it one of his best - and even said he'd like to do a sequel called "Bimbos," though he was sure Berkley wouldn't be on board.
In any case, one thing is certain: Theron dodged a bullet with the "Showgirls" movie!
