From IMDb (8/7/03):

Stars Say No to Manson Role

TV executives are struggling to find a big name to play jailed serial killer Charles Manson after Robert Downey, Jr. and Eric McCormack proved unavailable. The two stars were producer Mark Wolper's first choices to play Manson in a new adaptation on Vincent Bugliosi book Helter Skelter. Wolper says, "My first choice was Robert Downey, Jr. Unfortunately, he's not available, he's doing a Woody Allen film. Eric, I think, would be an interesting choice, but unfortunately he's on a series and not available to us." Manson is serving life imprisonment in California State Prison at Corcoran.

I don't know if there is any big name actor who would be willing to play Charles Manson. That guy was just, well to put it simple, something else. I'd think a role like that would stick to an actor for a long time.

I think Billy Bob Thornton would go for it. He seems to march to his own drummer.
I agree Brian, that most big name actors will steer clear of playing the crazy bastard.

Satan himself:

i was thinking the same thing. who on earth...at least with a modicum of popularity would want that role.


Originally posted by Brian
I don't know if there is any big name actor who would be willing to play Charles Manson. That guy was just, well to put it simple, something else. I'd think a role like that would stick to an actor for a long time.