Emilio Estevez Was John Hughes' First Pick to Play Ferris Bueller

John Hughes originally wanted Emilio Estevez or Anthony Michael Hall to play the lead in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," according to co-star Alan Ruck. Ruck shared this behind-the-scenes detail in a recent interview with The Guardian.

He told the outlet, "John Hughes originally thought of Anthony Michael Hall or Emilio Estevez for Ferris, but they wanted to move on to different things, so he wisely cast Matthew." Both Hall and Estevez had previously starred in Hughes' 1985 hit "The Breakfast Club."

How Did Matthew Broderick Get the Role?

Broderick was performing in the play "Biloxi Blues" with Ruck when he learned about the offer. "In one scene, he’s writing in his journal and we’re supposed to be asleep," Ruck recalled. "One night, he nudges me. I open my eyes and he shows me his journal. It said: ‘They offered me Ferris Bueller.’"

Broderick himself was initially unsure about taking the role, having just played several "young guy" parts and being hesitant about the character's signature fourth-wall-breaking moments.

How Did Alan Ruck Get Cast as Cameron?

Ruck also revealed that landing his own role as Cameron Frye required some convincing. Hughes was concerned the actor, then 28, was too old for the part. Ruck's friend and co-star came to his aid. "Matthew’s manager kept laying the idea in John’s ear, saying: ‘Matthew would like to work with Alan,’" Ruck laughed. "That went a long way to getting me the part."

Reflecting on the film's lasting impact, Ruck shared another quote with The Guardian: "Everybody kept talking about Ferris Bueller. I thought that’s as good as it’s going to get for me. As soon as I started working again, I really came to appreciate it."