Emilio Estevez has opened up about the “nightmare” experience he had working with director Joel Schumacher on the beloved 1985 movie “St. Elmo’s Fire.” The “Mighty Ducks” star, 62, discussed the making of the Brat Pack classic during his appearance on Thursday’s episode of the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast when host Josh Horowitz asked him to name “the worst note a director has ever given” him. Estevez didn’t hold back. “Have a good f–king time,'” the actor replied, recalling what the “St. Elmo’s Fire” director told him while “screaming at the top of his lungs.” Estevez wryly added, “Here’s looking at you, Joel Schumacher.”
Released in 1985, “St. Elmo’s Fire” premiered shortly after Estevez’s breakout performance in John Hughes’ iconic teen movie “The Breakfast Club.” Working with Hughes could not have been more different than working with Schumacher, Estevez said. The “Bobby” director described Hughes as “collaborative” and someone “who was a mentor in many ways, who was calm [and] listened,” while Schumacher was, in his eyes, “wildly insecure and was a nightmare on set and was a bully.”
The experience left a lasting impression on Estevez, shaping the way he would later approach directing. “I vowed never to speak to my actors that way, if I ever got a chance to direct,” he said. “In 1984, I thought, ‘This is the best lesson a young actor who wants to direct could ever get.’ Thank you, Joel.”
“St. Elmo’s Fire” centers on a close-knit group of recent college graduates facing the ups and downs of adult life and relationships. The cast featured several prominent members of the so-called Brat Pack, including Rob Lowe, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Demi Moore and Andrew McCarthy. Schumacher, who would go on to helm a diverse range of films including “The Lost Boys,” “Flatliners,” “Batman Forever” and “The Phantom of the Opera” passed away in June 2020 at the age of 80.
Elsewhere in the podcast, Estevez offered an update on a sequel to “St. Elmo’s Fire,” sharing that Sony Pictures is “fast-tracking” the film. The project is being written by Stuart Blumberg (“The Kids Are All Right”) and produced by Will Gluck (“Anyone But You”), though a director has yet to be chosen.
As for bringing back the original cast, Estevez said, “I know Rob [Lowe] is keen on it.” The star added, “It will really depend on the script. But I know the studio’s keen on it.” Lowe, 61, previously confirmed that “St. Elmo’s Fire” sequel talks have been ongoing. “We’ve met with the studio and I have been talking about doing it for about four months,” he revealed in a July 2024 interview with Entertainment Tonight. “‘Brats’ helped it and it was just, like, ‘Yes we are doing it,'” he said. “The script is being written.”
Estevez’s recollections of Schumacher’s behavior on set paint a stark contrast to his experience with Hughes, who directed him in “The Breakfast Club” just months prior. Estevez described Hughes as a calm presence, someone who encouraged collaboration and mentorship. “To go from John Hughes, who was collaborative, who was a mentor in many ways, who was calm, listened, to Joel, who was wildly insecure, and was a nightmare on set and was a bully,” Estevez said.
Despite the unpleasant memories associated with Schumacher, Estevez emphasized the value of those experiences in shaping his own directing style. “I vowed never to speak to my actors that way,” he reiterated, reflecting on the lessons learned during that tumultuous time.
“St. Elmo’s Fire” was a coming-of-age film that followed seven Georgetown University graduates as they navigated friendships and romantic relationships while transitioning into adulthood. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, the film managed to gross over $37.8 million worldwide against a production budget of $10 million.
In addition to Estevez, the film featured a stellar ensemble cast, including Demi Moore, Mare Winningham, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, and Andrew McCarthy, all of whom would go on to have successful careers in Hollywood.
While Estevez's memories of working with Schumacher may be marred by negative experiences, other cast members, like Demi Moore, have shared a different perspective. In a tribute following Schumacher’s death, Moore expressed gratitude for his support during her struggles with addiction while filming “St. Elmo’s Fire.” She recalled how Schumacher took a chance on her, providing a sober companion during the shoot. “He really stuck his neck out for me because it’s not like I had any box office draw,” she stated.
Moore's heartfelt remembrance highlighted the complexity of Schumacher’s legacy, showcasing how he was a source of support for some actors even as he exhibited troubling behavior towards others. Estevez’s reflections serve as a reminder of the varying experiences that actors can have on set and the lasting impact those experiences can have on their careers.
As the conversation about a sequel to “St. Elmo’s Fire” gains momentum, fans of the original film are left to wonder how the new project will honor the legacy of both the film and its late director. Estevez’s comments suggest that there is a desire to move forward while acknowledging the past, a sentiment echoed by Lowe in his recent interviews.
Ultimately, the future of “St. Elmo’s Fire” appears bright, with the potential for a sequel that honors the original while also addressing the growth and evolution of its beloved characters. With Estevez’s commitment to fostering a positive environment on set, fans can hope for a project that reflects the lessons learned from the past.
