 During the early stages during the initial development hell to get  the film made, Jack Nicholson (qv) and Marlon Brando (qv) were  originally considered for the roles of Duke and Gonzo, and Nicholson  was attached, but he, and Brando, both grew too old. Afterward,  Dan Aykroyd (qv) and John Belushi (qv) were considered for the  duo, but that fell apart when Belushi died. John Malkovich (qv)  was later considered for the role of Duke, but he too grew too old.  At one point John Cusack (qv) was almost cast, but then  Hunter S. Thompson (qv) met Johnny Depp (qv), and was convinced  no one else could play him. Cusack had previously directed the play  version of "Fear and Loathing", with his brother playing Duke.