Bruce Willis. M. Night Shyamalan. The Sixth Sense. A match made in cinematic heaven, right? Well, believe it or not, this iconic movie almost never happened for Bruce Willis! Here’s the surprising story behind how Willis ended up starring in one of his most beloved films.
Willis Walks Away, Lawsuit Looms
Back in the 90s, Willis was attached to a rom-com called “Broadway Brawler.” Things got heated on set, with Willis reportedly clashing with the cast and crew. He even fired the director, cinematographer, and wardrobe designer! This meltdown led to the movie being shut down and a hefty lawsuit from Disney.
Three-Picture Deal to the Rescue!
To avoid a costly court battle, Willis agreed to a three-picture deal with Disney. This deal included some films you might have heard of: Armageddon, The Sixth Sense, and The Kid.
So, The Sixth Sense Saved Willis’ Career (and Ours!)
While Willis wasn’t exactly thrilled about making Disney movies, he signed on the dotted line. This decision turned out to be a win-win. He fulfilled his contract obligations and Disney got three box office hits (especially The Sixth Sense, which raked in over $670 million!).
From Action Hero to Child Psychologist: Willis Takes a Risk
The Sixth Sense allowed Willis to showcase a different side of his acting chops. M. Night Shyamalan, the film’s director, specifically wanted Willis to break away from his typical tough-guy roles. Willis embraced the challenge and delivered a phenomenal performance that surprised audiences and critics alike.
The Legacy of The Sixth Sense
The Sixth Sense became a cultural phenomenon, leaving audiences chilled with its suspenseful story and mind-blowing twist ending. It also cemented Bruce Willis‘ status as a Hollywood A-lister.
