Ethan Hawke was cast as William Travis
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Billy Bob Thornton, who plays David Crockett, admitted that he was under a lot of pressure, but he was confident of creating a hero who was closer to history. Director Hancock was very interested in Crockett's dual identity. Before he started to adapt the script, he thought that Thornton was the only candidate to play Crockett, because Thornton himself also had duality.
Dennis William Quaid, who became associated with Hancock on Rookie of Baseball, played the Houston General. In order to play the role, he studied Houston biography. Producer Johnson said Dennis immediately called and asked to join when he learned they were working on "The Alamo." There were so many Texan actors who asked to be in the film, and then they looked at Dennis' face and said, you're Sam Houston
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Director Hancock said that Jason Patric not only looks like James Bowie, but also imitates Bowie's movements and special habits vividly. Although Patrick has never been interested in Hollywood blockbusters, he only loves independent productions. The obsession made him reluctant to miss this rare opportunity
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