 Brian De Palma (qv) met Bob Hoskins (qv) over a drink in Los  Angeles to discuss playing Al Capone if De Palmas first choice  Robert De Niro (qv) were to pass on the role. Since De Niro didnt  say yes, Hoskins told De Palma he would do it if he were available.  When De Niro took the role after all, Hoskins received a Thank You  note from De Palma and a check for $200,000. Hoskins subsequently  called up De Palma and asked if there were any more movies the  director didnt want him to be in.