Breaking out of past success is something many big movie stars have struggled with, including Die Hard star Bruce Willis. Rising to stardom in the golden period of action flicks, it won’t be wrong to hold Willis’ John McClane in the same tier as Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800.
But the actor’s skill wasn’t just limited to playing the stubborn, wise-cracking action hero, and he’d eventually break the mold with Terry Gilliam’s acclaimed sci-fi 12 Monkeys. However, the actor had initial doubts about taking the gig, fearing he’d upset his fans.
Bruce Willis Feared Subverting Fans’ Expectations With 12 Monkeys
Coming from the loud blockbusters in the Die Hard franchise to an unconventional sci-fi thriller was quite a leap for Bruce Willis‘ acting career. And even though the actor was extremely determined to give his best to bring Terry Gilliam’s vision to life, he initially feared that his inclusion might set wrong expectations. Considering 12 Monkeys was one of the least conventional sci-fi films of the ’90s, which didn’t fill up the boxes for what fans would expect from a Bruce Willis movie at the time, it’s reasonable why the actor had second thoughts.
“Bruce was concerned whether the baggage he brought to the film was going to be detrimental to it and in some ways a dangerous thing.” Terry Gilliam recalled. “People who come for a Bruce Willis film are going to be disappointed because they are not going to get what he normally delivers.”
Fortunately, this wasn’t the case, as the movie not only did great at the box office but Willis’ performance was also held high among fans and critics.
Terry Gilliam Commended Bruce Willis’ Determination
Showcasing Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt in a certain light that was never done before was a risk that Terry Gilliam was willing to take. According to Terry Gilliam, both the actors, especially Willis “worked his a– off” to embody the character after Willis was told that he wouldn’t be getting the superstar treatment in the project following the role’s demands.
“Both Brad and Bruce were trying to do something they don’t normally do. I liked the idea of changing the audience’s idea of what these guys were capable of… I [told Willis], ‘You’ve got to come here basically naked; you can’t come with all the entourage, the trappings of the superstar. This character [James] is basically alone; that’s his nature.'” Gilliam recounted.
Following Pitt’s and Willis’ impeccable performances, accompanied by Gilliam’s brilliance behind the camera, the film scored high among critics and was deemed as a movie ahead of its time. And the later years would continue to witness Bruce Willis starring in several other acclaimed gems.
12 Monkeys is available to rent on Apple TV.
Source: Kentucky New Era
