Ron Howard Thought“ Splash” Landing at Disney Was a Bad Sign for the Film: ‘Really the Minor Leagues’

**The Journey of ‘Splash’: Overcoming Obstacles to Become a Timeless Classic**

When Ron Howard and Brian Grazer set out to create “Splash,” they had no idea just how many challenges awaited them. Released in 1984, the film, which starred Daryl Hannah as a mermaid who falls in love with a human played by Tom Hanks, not only became a groundbreaking romantic comedy but also a pivotal moment for Disney. However, stepping into the filmmaking process was fraught with trials, marked by repeated rejections and creative conflicts.

Before “Splash” was conceived, the duo had enjoyed moderate success with their previous project, “Night Shift.” Although the film garnered positive reviews and earned actor Henry Winkler a Golden Globe nomination, it didn’t achieve significant box office success. This resulted in their pitch for “Splash” being met with scepticism from several studios. Grazer and Howard found themselves struggling to secure a commitment, with Howard eventually admitting that he had nearly abandoned the project.

During a recent episode of the podcast “It Happened in Hollywood,” Howard shared his doubts about bringing “Splash” to fruition. “I didn’t think it was ever going to happen,” he said, noting that he began to search for other projects to pursue while Grazer continued to champion their mermaid tale. It was Howard’s partner who would not relent, pushing to take their idea to Disney, despite its previous reputation primarily as an animated studio.

At the time, Disney’s most recent live-action venture had been “Gus,” a football comedy featuring a mule that was poorly received by critics. Nevertheless, Grazer believed that Disney was eager to reclaim a foothold in the feature film market. “They were ambitious,” he remarked, recalling the meeting where they presented their concept. To their delight, Disney executives responded positively and exhibited a keen understanding of the project.

However, a creative impasse soon arose when Disney insisted that Hannah’s mermaid character should wear a bikini top. Howard and Grazer were astounded by the suggestion, viewing it as an unnecessary and corny choice that could ruin their vision. Howard reflected on the moment, stating, “It looked like it was going to go away one more time, but Brian would not let it go.”

Grazer’s persistence led him to engage with Disney’s smaller board, where he advocated against the bikini top requirement. His efforts paid off as he successfully convinced the executives to trust their creative instincts, although Howard remained cautious about the project’s eventual success. The journey was still not devoid of obstacles, as the production faced an additional challenge when rival producer Ray Stark attempted to quash “Splash” in order to push forward his own mermaid project, which was rumoured to star Warren Beatty and Jessica Lange.

Despite these adversities, “Splash” was released in 1984 and went on to achieve unexpected commercial and critical success. The film resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning a nomination for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards. Interestingly, Stark’s competing film never materialised, allowing “Splash” to stand as a unique entry in film history.

The legacy of “Splash” has endured over the years, as the film not only showcased the charm of its leading actors but also pushed boundaries for storytelling within the romantic comedy genre. Howard and Grazer’s tenacity in navigating their way through numerous rejections and creative disputes ultimately bore fruit, solidifying “Splash” as a cultural touchstone.

Today, the film enjoys status as a beloved classic, reflecting the changing landscape of cinema at the time and reaffirming Disney’s ambition to diversify its portfolio. The behind-the-scenes journey of “Splash” serves as a testament to the determination of its creators in the face of adversity and the significance of trusting one’s instincts in the pursuit of creative expression.