When looking back at the history of film, the 90s stands tall as one of the best decades in history. During that time, a little indie movie called Clerks strolled into town an became a unlikely hit for writer and director Kevin Smith. Since then, Smith has forged a unique career in Hollywood, making close friends and dealing with gigantic personalities along the way.

Clerks is a film that each person should watch at least one time, and had things gone as originally planned, this film would have had a much darker ending. In fact, this ending would have had huge repercussions for Smith’s career.

Let’s see how Clerks’ original ending would have changed everything!

Dante Wasn’t Going To Survive

Clerks
Via mentalfloss.com

Fans of Clerks are well aware of the fact that Dante Hicks wan’t supposed to be working that day, but after reluctantly agreeing to cover for someone, Hicks spends the day at work with his best buddy, Randal Graves. Originally, the day that Hicks wasn’t supposed to be there was going to be his last day overall.

That’s right, after watching Dante navigate his day by playing hockey, balancing a love triangle and by growing as a person, Dante was originally going to be taken out by a robber at the end of the movie. This would have drastically changed everything about the movie, and the truth is that keeping this ending intact could have had a hugely negative impact on Smith’s filmmaking future.

Brian O’Halloran, the actor who played Dante, told Rolling Stone, “I hated that ending. I just thought it was too quick of a twist.”

Interestingly, Mental Floss notes that it was early criticism against the scene itself that caused Smith to change things up and keep Dante alive and well as the film comes to an end.

Related: Here’s Why Kevin Smith Thought He Ruined Seth Rogen’s Career

Kevin Smith Decided Against It

Clerks
Via thebaffler.com

With the ending firmly in place, Smith was able to unleash a film that people could relate to and that they could enjoy without the bittersweet tragedy of Dante meeting his maker before the credits rolled. The great thing about this ending was that it was filled with hope that Dante could take charge of his life.

It’s no secret that Dante looks into what he’s doing with his life in the film, and he winds up having some deep and meaningful conversations with Randal about what he’s going to. Not only that but his girlfriend in the film, Veronica, also encourages him to take charge of his life and not be comfortable working as a clerk at the QuickStop.

The ending we got allows Dante the potential of a future beyond the four walls of the QuickStop while also allowing the fans at the time to envision something more for the character. Taking him out at the end of the movie means that he won’t ever get the chance to make something of himself, robbing the viewers of any semblance of hope at the film’s end.

After Clerks became an unlikely hit for Smith, he was officially off and running in the business. With his newfound success and hype, the filmmaker was able to move forward in his career, and he wound up changing the game by starting his own film universe that fans have come to know and love.

Related: Here’s How Jason Lee Went From Pro Skater To Golden Globe Nominee

The Film Spawned The View Askewniverse

Clerks
Via ign.com

Since kicking things off with Clerks back in 1994, Kevin Smith has slowly pieced together the films comprising the View Askewniverse. These interconnected films all feature characters that have played a part in each other’s lives out in New Jersey, making for a universe that hardcore Smith fans have watched endlessly.

Clerks started it off, and eventually, fans go to see the universe expand with Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, Clerks II, and Jay & Silent Bob Reboot. The films themselves have all gone into making a shared universe that is filled with incredible Easter eggs, touching moments, and scenes that have left fans catching their breath from laughing so hard.

Smith has done other films outside of his shared universe, but going back to the well is never a bad thing. At this time, Smith has expressed interest in branching out from some of his past flicks, including doing a third Clerks film and a potential Mallrats project. If these projects come to fruition, then you had better believe that his fans will come out and support in a hurry.

Related: Ben Affleck’s Best Movies, According To IMDb

Clerks was going to have a dark ending that would’ve changed everything, but thanks to some constructive criticism, Smith changed things up and spawned his own cinematic universe.

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