Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a
1998 film adaptation of
Hunter S. Thompson's 1971 novel
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream. The film, directed by
Terry Gilliam, stars
Johnny Depp as
Raoul Duke and
Benicio del Toro as
Dr. Gonzo.
Previous attempts to adapt the book into a film included
Jack Nicholson and
Marlon Brando as Duke and Gonzo. At one point,
Dan Aykroyd and
John Belushi were considered for the duo;
John Cusack was also almost cast. Animator/filmmaker
Ralph Bakshi,
Martin Scorsese, and
Oliver Stone all tried unsuccessfully to direct an adaptation. Thompson met Depp and was convinced no one else could play him. Filmmaker
Alex Cox was eventually hired to direct with Depp and Del Toro committed to starring in the film, but the filmmaker had "creative differences" with Thompson over the script treatment as documented in the documentary
Breakfast with Hunter. Gilliam was subsequently hired and made the film with the writer's approval.