Actor Nathan Lane was passed over for a role in the 1996 movie Space Jam, a decision he feels was likely due to homophobia. However, it's not the "role that got away" for Lane, as he says he actually felt relieved that he didn't have to do the film.

Lane addressed his near-casting in Space Jam during a new interview with Vanity Fair. He was asked about how much homophobia might have impacted his career during that era, and that had the actor remembering the situation with Space Jam. As Lane explained, he was in consideration to play Stan Podolak, Michael Jordan's assistant, who was ultimately played by Wayne Knight. Lane also said he'd been told that the film's director, Joe Pytka, thought he was "too gay" for the role.

"I don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, but I can’t help but think that [homophobia] played a part [in limiting movie roles]," he said.