Denzel Washington could have played another character in Inside Man

Spike Lee’s “Inside Man” is a loving tribute to New York City and Sidney Lumet’s “Dog Day Afternoon,” steeped in post-9/11 anxieties, an eclectic cast and unexpected twists. Stylish and exciting, this popcorn flick is about a game of wits between law enforcement officers and bank robbers as they try to get the hostages out safely. All of this plays out against the backdrop of Wall Street corruption and a bank owner with blood on his hands.

There is palpable tension between Keith Frazier, who wants to be a first-grade detective after being falsely accused of stealing money from a drug bust, and the robber, Dalton Russell, who claims he will execute “the perfect bank robbery.” Spike Lee offered both lead roles to Denzel Washington, who had been in several of his other films, including “Mo’ Better Blues,” “Malcolm X” and “He Got Game.” As Spike Lee told GamesRadar+ (formerly Total Film)“When you’re dealing with someone like Denzel, you don’t dictate what role he’s going to have.” Denzel Washington’s reputation and his relationship with Spike Lee gave him carte blanche, so what would he be: the bank robber or the good guy?

According to Spike Lee, Denzel Washington told him, “I have to play a cop because the other guy’s face is covered throughout the entire movie!” (via GamesRadar+) Clive Owen had similar concerns about the role when Spike Lee offered him the role of thief Dalton Russell, as he was hidden in a mask and sunglasses throughout the script. Owen explains to GQ in a breakdown of its most iconic characters that the script was adjusted to include some moments that reveal his face. These end up being some of the best scenes in the film because they are so limited, including the intriguing opening where he breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience directly with his cunning plans and references to Shakespeare.

Clive Owen mentions in his GQ interview that Spike Lee told him he needed someone who could “go toe to toe with Denzel because he’s so strong.” Owen’s steady and composed demeanor is the perfect complement to Washington’s charismatic swagger. The showmanship and assertiveness that Washington brings to many of his performances were ideal for the role of Frazier, making his quick thinking and determination to solve the case seem that much more compelling. Clive Owen is known for roles with a quieter intensity. While they are both incredible actors and could have easily swapped roles, their different acting styles fit the characters perfectly, making the cat-and-mouse game between them even more exciting to watch.