Steven Spielberg was discussing his new project — an action docudrama about famous composers starring top movie stars. Sylvester Stallone, Steven Seagal, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger being courted for the top roles.
Spielberg really hoped to have the box office “oomph” of these superstars, so he was prepared to allow them to select the composers they would portray, as long as they among the most famous.
“Well,” started Stallone, “I’ve always admired Mozart. I would love to play him.”
“Chopin has always been my favorite, and my image would improve if people saw me playing the piano,” said Willis.”I’ll play him.”
“I’ve always been partial to Strauss and his waltzes,” said Seagal. “I’d like to play him.”
Spielberg was very pleased with these choices. “Sounds splendid.” Then, looking at Schwarzenegger, he asked, “Who do you want to be, Arnold?”
Arnold replied, “I’ll be Bach.”