In Hollywood, mistakes can have far-reaching consequences. While most people might only face minor mishaps like picking the wrong milk at the grocery store, actors and producers in this glamorous world occasionally sign onto multimillion-dollar projects that turn out to be colossal failures. Instead of simply accepting these missteps, some take drastic measures to ensure their involvement remains buried or make the experience as unpleasant as possible for everyone involved. This article explores several instances where stars and creators went to great lengths to distance themselves from films they deemed unworthy.
Wesley Snipes' experience with "Blade: Trinity" exemplifies how tensions on set can escalate dramatically. Despite legitimate grievances regarding alleged discrimination against Black actors and concerns over the film's focus on white characters, Snipes' response was extreme. He reportedly communicated with director David S. Goyer solely through cryptic Post-It notes and even physically assaulted him. His reluctance extended to refusing to perform key scenes, leading the production team to resort to CGI for certain shots.
Bill Cosby’s infamous "Leonard Part 6" stands as another cautionary tale. Although he conceived the idea himself, Cosby actively discouraged audiences from watching it by warning both talk show hosts and reporters about its quality. To further bury the project, he purchased the television rights, ensuring it would never see a wider audience. Ironically, the movie became more notorious due to these efforts.
Whoopi Goldberg took legal action when she discovered the final cut of "The Telephone." Believing she had approval rights before release, she sued New World Pictures to prevent distribution. Unfortunately for her, the lawsuit failed, leaving the film to face public scrutiny despite her best efforts.
The story of "The Fantastic Four" (1994) showcases producer Bernd Eichinger's clever maneuvering. Faced with losing the franchise rights unless he produced something quickly, he opted for a low-budget, hastily assembled version. After giving it minimal marketing attention, he pulled it from release just in time, ensuring it remained unseen but preserving his rights for future adaptations.
Finally, John Penney's handling of "Zyzzyx Road" demonstrates an unconventional approach to minimizing financial losses. By scheduling a single screening per day in a random Dallas theater, he avoided domestic release obligations while technically fulfilling contractual requirements. The result? A meager $30 box office return, making it one of the lowest-grossing films ever.
These stories highlight the lengths to which Hollywood figures will go to disown projects they consider flawed or embarrassing. Whether through creative resistance, legal maneuvers, or strategic non-releases, these actions underscore the complexities of filmmaking and the power dynamics within the industry. Ultimately, such tales remind us that behind every blockbuster lies a history of risk, regret, and sometimes redemption.