MovieChat Forums > The King of Queens (1998) Discussion > Did you see the pilot that was made with...

Did you see the pilot that was made with Jack Carter as Arthur?

posted 4 years ago by drseuss (21)
4 replies | jump to latest

Originally Jerry Stiller turned down the role of Arthur and the part went to actor Jack Carter instead. After a pilot was shot Stiller changed his mind and Carter got the boot. They then reshot Arthur's scenes with Stiller.

Here is a clip of Jack Cater as Arthur
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DG0mFuZJTI

It gives such a different vibe to the show imo and, even though he isn't the main character, I wonder how successful the show would have been without Stiller.

[–] exithereplease (3553) 4 years ago

I have not. Until now.

[–] CastroEulis (381) 4 years ago

This is my favorite show and Ive seen every episode a countless number of times. But to me, its a wonder that the king of queens survived its first season. It was very rough around the edges and didnt really find its groove until season 3. If this guy was Arthur, then i definitely dont see how its doesnt get cancelled during the first or second season.

[–] MiguelGordon (543) 2 years ago

wow, thanks for this! I had no idea, I love this show and I've seen it so many times but I couldn't possibly imagine anyone but stiller playing arthur. now that I've seen this clip I think it would have resulted in a completely different (and lesser) show

[–] liscarkat (19393) 2 years ago

That really shows how much of a contribution Stiller made to the show. Carter seems more like a typical sitcom character, and is kind of gross. Stiller brought something special, and overcame the grossness with a weird charisma.

Also, note James's longer hair.