Director Renny Harlin envisioned rock icon David Bowie as the ideal adversary for Sylvester Stallone in his mountainous action thriller “Cliffhanger.” Harlin believed that Bowie’s distinctive presence could have provided an intense and unique portrayal of the film’s antagonist, potentially drawing in a wide audience due to the star’s musical fame. Unfortunately, Harlin’s desire to cast Bowie did not materialize:
“The effectiveness of the hero is directly connected to the strength of the villain. A weak villain means there’s little heroism to be shown. It’s always my goal to add a special touch, to avoid a clichéd evil character who simply wants to destroy everything. I was keen on having David Bowie for the role of the villain in ‘Cliffhanger.’ I went after him with great persistence.”
In 1992, when Harlin approached Bowie, the musician was coming off a substantial world tour and might have been looking for a respite. His film career wasn’t exactly languishing, with recent roles in “The Linguine Incident” and “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.” Harlin remembers the logistical issues faced:
“I had an engaging meeting with him in New York and discussed the film in great depth. We came very close to making it happen, but it seemed his schedule clashed, possibly due to a tour conflict. Ultimately, that’s why David Bowie wasn’t cast as the villain.”
John Lithgow, who ultimately took on the role, delivered a stellar performance nonetheless. Even so, the notion of Bowie’s flair bringing the villain to life continues to intrigue fans and filmmakers alike.
FAQ About David Bowie’s Possible Role in ‘Cliffhanger’
- Why was David Bowie considered for the role of the villain in ‘Cliffhanger’?
Director Renny Harlin was looking for a dynamic actor who could stand toe-to-toe with Sylvester Stallone’s on-screen presence. He thought Bowie would contribute a unique, intense performance and draw crowds due to his status as a rock legend. - What prevented David Bowie from accepting the role in ‘Cliffhanger’?
Bowie was likely exhausted after his “Sound + Vision” tour and had scheduling conflicts, possibly due to another music tour, which ultimately prevented him from committing to the part. - Who played the villain in ‘Cliffhanger’ after Bowie was unavailable?
John Lithgow was cast as the villain and delivered a highly praised performance in the film. - Did Renny Harlin meet David Bowie to discuss the role?
Yes, Harlin met Bowie in New York to talk about the movie, indicating that the casting was quite close to becoming a reality. - Has David Bowie acted in other films?
Yes, David Bowie had an active film career with roles in movies such as “The Linguine Incident” and “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me” among others.
Conclusion
The potential casting of David Bowie as the villain in ‘Cliffhanger’ is an interesting “what if” scenario in the history of cinema. His enigmatic nature and acting prowess could have added an unforgettable dimension to the film. While John Lithgow’s portrayal is indisputably strong, the allure of a Bowie performance remains—a tantalizing cinematic opportunity that narrowly slipped away due to scheduling conflicts. It serves as a mesmerizing reminder of Bowie’s versatility and the enduring fascination with his multifaceted career.