Synopsis

Troubled salesman Gil Renard sees baseball star Bobby Rayburn as the answer to his own failing life. When Rayburn struggles after joining the San Francisco Giants, Gil becomes convinced that he alone can restore the player's confidence. His admiration turns into dangerous obsession, drawing him into violence, stalking, and a desperate attempt to control the athlete's career and personal life.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film is based on Peter Abrahams' 1995 novel of the same name, with the screenplay adapted by Phoef Sutton.

• The story's Bobby Rayburn character was conceived as an analogue of Giants star Barry Bonds, linking the thriller to the baseball culture of mid-1990s San Francisco.

• Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. served as a consultant and personally helped Wesley Snipes improve his batting during production.

• The production filmed exteriors at San Francisco's Candlestick Park, while Anaheim Stadium was used for some interior ballpark scenes.

• Several possible versions of the central casting were discussed before production. Brad Pitt and Al Pacino reportedly wanted to play Gil Renard, while Snipes also expressed interest in the role before playing Bobby Rayburn.

• The film's electronic and hip-hop-oriented soundtrack was released separately in August 1996. Hans Zimmer composed the score, which became one of the production's more frequently praised elements.

• The Fan was made on a reported $55 million budget but earned approximately $42 million worldwide, making it a commercial disappointment on its initial release.