Billy Bob Thornton and Kathy Bates almost crossed paths earlier in their careers — but it wasn't meant to be. "There was a time I went in and read for [director] Rob Reiner for Misery," Thornton revealed when the stars reunited for Variety's Actors on Actors series.

Kathy Bates and Billy Bob Thornton reveal during Variety's 'Actors on Actors' that they nearly starred in 'Misery' together.

The Oscar-winning actors also discussed the "Landman" star's recent foray into Western television during a wide-ranging Actors on Actors interview.