Gracie/Kobal/Shutterstock; Everett
NEED TO KNOW
John Cusack shared that working with his sister Joan Cusack on the 1989 film 'Say Anything' was a "pretty easy gig"
While the actor played the iconic protagonist Lloyd Dobler, Joan portrayed his on-screen older sister, Constance Dobler
"She runs me over like a Mack Truck and they say print it, and then it's everyone's favorite thing in the movie," John quipped
John Cusackshared that working with his sisterJoan Cusackon 1989'sSay Anythingwas an effortless experience.
While reminiscing on the days of filming the romantic comedy alongside costarIone Skyeand directorCameron Crowe, the 59-year-old actor opened up about what it was like having his real-life older sister portray his character Lloyd Dobler's older sister, Constance Dobler.
"It's easy to work with your sister," John said during a Nov. 30 screening of the film at New York City's Kings Theatre. "What happens is she'll come in and then I'm in the scene with her. She runs me over like a Mack Truck and they say print it, and then it's everyone's favorite thing in the movie."
"It's a pretty easy gig," he added. "I just get flat like Wile E. Coyote and everyone thinks I'm a genius."
Timothy Hiatt/Getty
The1408starwent on to explain that a lot of their sibling dynamic had the chance to shine through in the film.
"Joanie was actually more optimistic than I was," John recalled. "She would always tell me to get in a good mood, but I think it was written that his sister went through a tough breakup and all that."
Along with their joint appearance inSay Anything,Molly Ringwaldrevealed during an AprilBreakfast Clubreunion at a C2E2 2025 panel in Chicago — alongsideAnthony Michael Hall,Ally Sheedy,Emilio Estevezand Judd Nelson — that the famous siblings were actuallyin contention to play Bender and Allisonin the 1985 iconic teen film.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
John Cusack, Joan Cusack Say Anything
"From my understanding, John Cusack was gonna play Bender and Joan Cusack was going to play Allison," the16 Candlesstar, 57, said of the roles that ultimately went to Nelson and Sheedy.
While the brother-sister duo didn't end up joining the group of high school misfits, both have since gone on to major movie success.
John went on to star inHigh Fidelity,Identityand theHot Tub Time Machinefranchise, while Joan earned two Best Supporting Actress Oscar nominations forWorking GirlandIn & Outin addition to starring inAddams Family Values,School of Rockand the TV seriesShameless.
Read the original article onPeople
