Trivia / Killer Joe

• Acclaimed Flop: Got great reviews but only earned about $2 million at the domestic box office on a $10 million budget. What didn't help was the film's NC-17 rating only allowing it to be shown in a little over 50 theaters across the US. Because of this, and to get back money through Home Video, the movie was instead released unrated and with an R rated cut on DVD and Blu-ray through Lionsgate
• Career Resurrection: Despite flopping in theaters, this was one of the films that re-launched Matthew McConaughey's career.
• Playing Against Type: Matthew McConaughey is known primarily for playing charming slackers in lighter, more mainstream comedy films (particularly the romantic comedies). Here he plays a sociopathic killer.
• What Could Have Been:
  • William Friedkin initially considered either Kurt Russell or Billy Bob Thornton for the role of Joe Cooper. Russell was interested, but ultimately turned down the role, saying that his long-term partner, Goldie Hawn, would "kill him" for playing such a dark role.
  • Elliot Page was interested in the role of Dottie and Friedkin wanted him after seeing him in Hard Candy, but his agent passed on it. Jennifer Lawrence also wanted the role and even screen-tested.

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