Gettysburg Behind-the-Scenes: How Jeff Daniels was Cast as Chamberlain

The performance of Jeff Daniels as Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain in Gettysburg is one of the most renowned in the history of Civil War films. Did you know that another famous actor was the director’s first choice? We sit down with Ron Maxwell to talk about the challenges of casting Chamberlain, including a Russell Crowe story! Check out our other Gettysburg 30th Anniversary videos: The American Battlefield Trust preserves America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educates the public about what happened there and why it matters. We permanently protect these battlefields for future generations as a lasting and tangible memorial to the brave soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.