John Travolta’s iconic status in Hollywood almost never came to be, as his career faced significant challenges in the late 1980s. Despite achieving early fame with celebrated roles in Welcome Back, Kotter and cinematic hits like Saturday Night Fever and Grease, Travolta found himself struggling with a string of disappointing films. According to director Amy Heckerling, the comedy that ultimately revived his career, Look Who’s Talking, was nearly scrapped due to industry politics and a perception that Travolta was “box-office poison.”
The Near Cancellation of Look Who’s Talking
How the 1989 Film Rescued His Career
Look Who’s Talking, directed by Amy Heckerling—renowned for films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Clueless—was released in 1989. The romantic comedy centers on the life of a single mother and her infant son, featuring a star-studded cast including Kirstie Alley, Olympia Dukakis, and Bruce Willis, whose voice lends personality to the baby in a uniquely humorous way.
During an insightful interview with Empire Magazine, Heckerling shed light on the film’s tumultuous journey. Following Sony’s acquisition of TriStar, studio executives expressed aversion to releasing the film, predominantly due to Travolta’s tarnished reputation at the time. However, Travolta, alongside Bruce Willis, intervened decisively, threatening legal action that ultimately ensured the film’s release. Heckerling recalls:
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.
The Impact of Look Who’s Talking on Travolta’s Career
From Resurgence to Reinvention
Following its release, Look Who’s Talking became a massive box-office success, earning close to $300 million on an initial budget of just $7.5 million. This triumphant return led to sequels, including Look Who’s Talking Too and Look Who’s Talking Now. However, it was Travolta’s role in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction that truly reinvigorated his career. Released in 1994, the film not only earned Travolta his second Oscar nomination for Best Actor but also opened the floodgates to a plethora of diverse roles, including memorable performances in Get Shorty, Michael, and Face/Off.
Source: Empire Magazine