Rob McElhenney, known for his role in the long-running sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, recently shared a memorable (and somewhat painful) experience from when he was cut from a film starring Hollywood legends Brad Pitt and Harrison Ford. Created by McElhenney himself, the show follows a group of friends managing a struggling bar and is well-loved for its outrageous humor and complex characters. The series aired from 2005 until 2023 and featured McElhenney alongside Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Danny DeVito, and Kaitlin Olson.
While McElhenney has enjoyed remarkable success in television, he initially dabbled in film during the late ’90s and early 2000s, appearing in various smaller projects. However, his journey took a significant turn when he landed a role in the 1997 thriller The Devil’s Own. McElhenney’s part involved acting alongside A-list stars such as Pitt, who portrayed an IRA member, and Ford, an NYPD detective. Unfortunately for McElhenney, his character Kevin was entirely omitted from the final cut.
Reflecting on the experience in an interview on Hot Ones, McElhenney remarked that it was "one of the most humiliating and terrible experiences" of his life. He recalled the excitement of filming multiple scenes and how he looked forward to the movie’s release, only to find out he was missing from the final version when he attended the theater with friends and family. In his own words, he expressed the disappointment, stating, "I was a D player on the ground. I wasn’t even a player; I was on the editing room’s floor."
This wasn’t the first time McElhenney ended up cut from a film. He also experienced a brief cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine that didn’t make it to the final film, illuminating a harsh reality many actors face: sometimes, being cut from a film has little to do with performance and more with creative decisions. In retrospect, despite the unfortunate events, McElhenney has thrived in the realm of television, proving his talent and resilience by creating shows that resonate with audiences.
While The Devil’s Own may have received criticism for its storytelling, McElhenney’s contributions to television have secured him a prominent place in the industry. For fans eagerly awaiting the 17th season of It’s Always Sunny, his story serves as a reminder of the ups and downs actors can encounter in their careers.
Source: Hot Ones/YouTube
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