The comedy that savedJohn Travolta’s career 35 years ago was almost canceled, according to its director, who says “John was box-office poison.” The actor rose to fame for his role in the ABC sitcomWelcome Back, Kotterfrom 1975 to 1979. In the following years,Travolta gained further recognitionwith two of his most iconic performances inSaturday Night Fever, earning his first Oscar nomination, andGrease, which were both massive box-office hits that propelled Travolta to global fame.
Travolta’s success continued into the early 1980s, capitalizing on the growing country music craze withUrban Cowboy.In 1981, he starred in Brian De Palma’sBlow Out, which earned critical acclaim, but struggled at the box office, likely due to its somber ending. FollowingBlow Out,Travolta faced a string of commercial and critical misfires that temporarily derailed his career, includingTwo of a Kind,Perfect, and theSaturday Night FeversequelStaying Alive, which performed well financially but was met with harsh reviews from critics.
Look Who’s Talking Was Almost Canceled
The 1989 Comedy Saved John Travolta’s Career
Look Who’s Talking, the comedy that saved John Travolta’s career 35 years ago, was almost canceled. Written anddirected by Amy Heckerling– also known forFast Times at Ridgemont HighandClueless– her 1989 romantic comedyfollows the relationship between a single mother and her infant son’s babysitter. The cast includes Kirstie Alley, John Travolta, Olympia Dukakis, George Segal, Abe Vigoda, and Bruce Willis as the voice of the baby’s inner thoughts only audible to the audience.
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During a recent interview withEmpire Magazine, director Amy Heckerling revealed thatLook Who’s Talkingwas almost canceled due to studio politics following Sony’s acquisition of TriStar, with Travolta being unfairly labeled as “box-office poison.” However, the film’s release was ultimately saved by Travolta and Bruce Willis threatening legal action, whose deals required a wide release. Read Heckerling’s full comments below:
I really thought the movie [wouldn’t come out]. The party line was that John was “box-office poison,” so the people who took over said, “We can’t release this.” John became the fall guy. But really, it was because we did so great at [test] screenings. It wouldn’t do the new people any good to say, “The old people made this movie, and look how well it’s doing…” John and Bruce had made their deals based on the movie getting a wide release. As far as I know, they got together and threatened to sue the studio… and that’s when it came out. So, it’s thanks to John and Bruce that I have my house.
What Look Who’s Talking Meant For John Travolta
It Saved His Career, But Pulp Fiction Reinvigorated It
AfterLook Who’s Talkingwas an enormous box office success, grossing nearly $300 million on a $7.5 million budget, Travolta went on to star in the sequelsLook Who’s Talking TooandLook Who’s Talking Now, though his career truly rebounded whenTravolta starred inPulp Fiction, earning his second Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role. FollowingPulp Fiction,John Travoltareceived a flood of diverse offers and took on notable roles inGet Shorty,Michael,Face/Off, and many more movies.
Source: Empire Magazine
John Travolta
Discover the latest news and filmography for John Travolta, known for Grease and Pulp Fiction.
