 The role of Johnny was written by Jarmusch specifically for Joe Strummer , who had been the frontman of The Clash , the director 's favorite 1980s rock band . Jarmusch had conceived the part a few years previously while the two were together in Spain , and although the musician had been in a period of depression at the time following the collapse of the band , he was drawn by the Memphis setting of the film . Unlike the jovial Steve Buscemi , Strummer did not stay on set to joke with the veteran actors between shots , but instead preferred to keep his own company , focusing intensively on orienting himself to the role . 
