The chaotic behind-the-scenes drama of the 1987 dark fantasy film The Witches of Eastwick

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before Jack Nicholson became the face of the devil in this box office success, the production was plagued by casting turmoil and director walkouts. From a last-minute role swap that blindsided Susan Sarandon to Nicholson coaching his director through intense studio negotiations, the film's making was as dramatic as its plot.

The 1987 film adaptation of John Updike’s 1984 novel, directed by George Miller, follows three women in Eastwick, Rhode Island, who unwittingly form a coven. Alexandra Medford, Jane Spofford, and Sukie Ridgemont, played by Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer, find their lives upended by the arrival of the mysterious Daryl Van Horne, portrayed by Jack Nicholson. While the film was a financial success, grossing over $103 million worldwide, it received mixed reviews that often praised Nicholson’s performance while criticizing the story’s descent into special-effects-heavy chaos.

The production process was fraught with instability. Director George Miller reportedly quit twice, only to be persuaded to stay by Nicholson. Nicholson also taught Miller how to manipulate studio producers, such as requesting 300 extras when only 150 were needed to ensure he received the desired amount. Casting was equally volatile; Cher was initially told by Miller that she was 'too old and not sexy' for the film, yet she later demanded the role of Alexandra, which had already been assigned to Sarandon. Sarandon was not informed of this change until she arrived on set, at which point she was re-cast as Jane.

Critics were divided on the final product. While some, like Roger Ebert, appreciated the film’s portrayal of 'implausible people,' others felt the second half degenerated into confusion and crass special effects. Despite the narrative critiques, the film remains a notable showcase of Nicholson’s physical comedy. The production itself moved from Little Compton, Rhode Island, to various Massachusetts locations after local controversy, with the iconic Lenox Mansion exterior filmed at Castle Hill in Ipswich. The film’s legacy is preserved in documentaries and a soundtrack composed by John Williams, marking a distinct moment in 1980s dark fantasy cinema.

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