When «Pulp Fiction» was on its way down the production pipeline, Quentin Tarantino had only directed one other full-length feature: «Reservoir Dogs» from 1992. The feature centers on a group of thieves who plan and execute a heist, only for the whole plan to fall apart and for distrust to overtake them. The cast is absolutely stacked, with names like Harvey Keitel, Steve Buscemi, and Tim Roth in prominent roles. Right alongside them is Michael Madsen as Vic Vega, aka Mr. Blonde, who nearly became Vincent Vega only a couple of years later.
In the documentary «QT8: The First Eight,» which is dedicated to Tarantino’s first eight films, Madsen explained that he was first offered the Vega role in «Pulp Fiction.» Unfortunately, scheduling issues prevented him from starring. «I was already committed to ‘Wyatt Earp.’ And now, here’s Quentin, wants me to do ‘Pulp Fiction.’ And they were both going at the same time,» he said (via Entertainment Weekly). Thus, he had no choice but to turn the part down. Vic and Vincent were revealed to be brothers, and a spin-off focused on the two was long-rumored but never came to fruition.
In the end, John Travolta’s failing career was saved by «Pulp Fiction,» extending his time in the Hollywood spotlight. As for Madsen, he was able to take on roles in other Quentin Tarantino productions after «Pulp Fiction,» those being both «Kill Bill» movies, «The Hateful Eight,» and Tarantino’s self-proclaimed best movie, «Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.» So, it’s fair to say both have done well for themselves all these years later.