In a chilling revelation that adds an eerie twist to the behind-the-scenes story of the 1998 crime thriller Wild Things, actor Kevin Bacon recently recounted a startling incident during the film's production. While filming in the murky swamps of Florida, Bacon, who portrayed Detective Ray Duquette in the film, discovered what he described as a "floater"—a dead body floating by in the water.
The film, which starred Denise Richards and Neve Campbell, follows a teenager named Kelly (Richards) who becomes embroiled in a scandal involving her guidance counselor, Sam (Matt Dillon). As the plot unfolds, Kelly's classmate Suzie (Campbell) also makes a similar accusation, leading to a series of shocking twists. Bacon's character, Detective Duquette, investigates the case, uncovering a web of deceit and betrayal.
In an interview with Variety, Bacon shared his haunting experience, recalling, "We were out in the swamp one night—a lot of mosquitoes, wow—and we were shooting some scene, I don’t remember what it was, by kind of a river. They had floated a raft out there so that they could put out a light. All of a sudden I hear across the walkie-talkie: ‘Hey, uh, I think I just saw a floater.’ And it was a body that was floating by. It was kind of indicative of the vibe of the movie."
This unsettling discovery not only shocked the cast and crew but also led to a halt in production and prompted a police investigation. Director John McNaughton confirmed that the incident was serious enough to require law enforcement involvement. He noted that the film faced numerous challenges from pre-production to casting and financing, admitting that he almost passed on the project after reading the script, which he initially thought was poor. However, as he delved deeper, he found the plot to be as suspenseful as the film itself.
Interestingly, the casting of the film also had its own set of controversies. Robert Downey Jr. was originally considered for the role of the guidance counselor. However, due to his tumultuous history with substance abuse, he was deemed an insurance risk, leading to his eventual recast. This decision proved fortuitous, as the film went on to become a cult classic, known for its twists and provocative themes.
Bacon's recounting of the body discovery adds a layer of intrigue to Wild Things, a film that is already steeped in mystery and tension. The film's plot, which involves deception and manipulation, mirrors the real-life drama that unfolded during its making.
Despite the film's dark themes, Bacon has continued to thrive in his career, showcasing his versatility across various genres. He has appeared in numerous notable films, including the iconic horror classic Friday the 13th and the critically acclaimed Apollo 13, where he played Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert. Recently, he starred in the supernatural action series The Bondsman on Prime Video, where he portrays a murdered bounty hunter who becomes a recruit for Satan, using his tracking skills to hunt down escaped demons. The new series has quickly gained popularity, topping streaming charts and earning a fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.
As Bacon continues to reflect on his past roles, the haunting memory of discovering a body during the filming of Wild Things serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of filmmaking. The blend of fiction and reality in this instance adds a compelling narrative to the film's legacy, proving that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.
In conclusion, Kevin Bacon's experience on the set of Wild Things not only highlights the often bizarre and unsettling circumstances that can occur in the film industry but also enriches the film's narrative, making it a memorable part of cinematic history. As audiences continue to revisit the film, they may find themselves viewing it through a new lens, one that acknowledges the real-life drama that unfolded alongside its fictional story.
