Rupert Everett's Cautionary Tale: The Perils of Hollywood Stardom and the Toll of a Disastrous Collaboration

In a candid reflection, acclaimed actor Rupert Everett opens up about the lasting impact of his ill-fated collaboration with pop superstar Madonna on the 2000 romantic dramedy "The Next Best Thing." Everett's once-promising Hollywood career and personal friendship with the iconic singer were both profoundly affected by the film's critical and commercial failure, a cautionary tale of the fragility of success in the entertainment industry.

A Promising Pairing Turned Sour

The Strain on a Friendship

Rupert Everett, known for his acclaimed performances in films like "The Importance of Being Earnest," reflects on the strain that working with Madonna on "The Next Best Thing" placed on their personal relationship. "Friendships and failure in Hollywood are very difficult things to keep going," Everett admits, acknowledging the toll the movie's critical reception took on their once-close bond.When asked about the possibility of reconnecting with the pop icon, Everett's response is guarded, suggesting the rift may still linger: "Well, possibly. I don't know." The actor's candid assessment underscores the delicate nature of professional relationships in the cutthroat world of Hollywood, where even the most promising collaborations can unravel under the weight of public scrutiny and artistic disappointment.

Navigating the Challenges of Madonna's Acting Career

Everett empathizes with the unique challenges Madonna faced as an actress, acknowledging the preconceptions and high expectations that accompanied her transition from music to film. "I think it's very difficult for her to be in films because everyone has such a preconception," Everett observes, suggesting that the public's perception of Madonna as a pop icon made it challenging for her to be accepted as a serious dramatic performer.Despite the film's critical reception, Everett still believes that Madonna's performance in "The Next Best Thing" was compelling, stating, "I think she was touching in the film, too, myself." However, he admits that he rarely revisits the movie, noting, "I haven't seen it for ages, though. I mean, every time that comes on, I kind of look the other way."

A Cautionary Tale of Artistic Compromise

Everett's candid reflections on the making of "The Next Best Thing" reveal a cautionary tale of artistic compromise and the consequences of straying from one's creative vision. The actor reveals that he was the driving force behind the film's creation, with the project greenlit due to his popularity following the success of "My Best Friend's Wedding."However, Everett acknowledges that his decision to bring in director John Schlesinger and his own involvement in rewriting the script may have contributed to the film's ultimate downfall. "I also hired John Schlesinger to be the director, which was, I think, in hindsight, where it was a mistake, because then he wanted me to stay with him and help him prepare the movie and I went off and did another job," Everett says regretfully.As the production spiraled out of control, Everett found himself stripped of his creative responsibilities, ultimately remaining in the film as an actor despite his misgivings. "At a certain point, I remember I was fired as the writer, fired as the producer, and the producer said to me, 'If you want to stay as the actor, you can, but don't if you don't want to.' I should have probably walked away from it at that point and I didn't."

The Lasting Impact on Everett's Career

Everett's candid assessment of the film's impact on his career is equally sobering. He acknowledges that the critical and commercial failure of "The Next Best Thing" effectively derailed his Hollywood momentum, stating, "Everything went wrong, really, in the making of it. And it completely finished things for me in Hollywood."The actor reflects on the fleeting nature of success in the entertainment industry, admitting, "I was very much enjoying my Hollywood revival. And like all idiots, I thought it was just going to go on forever and then it didn't. So it was difficult to adapt to."Everett's experience serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring actors and filmmakers, underscoring the fragility of success and the importance of maintaining creative control and staying true to one's artistic vision, even in the face of external pressures and temptations.