Fact: Publicity Stunt or Truth? The Announcement of Reagan as 'Casablanca' Lead
How Hollywood used rumours to shape classic cinema stories.
I recently stumbled upon a fascinating piece of Hollywood trivia that I just had to share. Did you know that Ronald Reagan was originally announced as the lead for the classic film Casablanca?
It’s true! Back in the early days of production, there was a lot of buzz and speculation about who would star in this iconic movie. And at one point, the studio made a bold proclamation that Reagan would be taking on the role of Rick Blaine.
However, it turns out this announcement was actually just a clever ruse — a publicity stunt to keep Reagan’s name in the press and generate buzz around the project. In reality, Reagan was never seriously considered for the part, and the role ultimately went to Humphrey Bogart, who became forever linked with that legendary character.
It’s fascinating how Hollywood has always used strategic leaks and announcements to stir up interest and keep audiences talking. For us film lovers, these stories add an extra layer of intrigue to our appreciation of classic cinema.
Imagine if Reagan had played Rick — would Casablanca have been different story? Either way, it’s a reminder of how much behind-the-scenes manoeuvring goes into making movie history.
