In the competitive world of Hollywood, the path to success can often be fraught with obstacles, as revealed in a recent episode of the *It Happened in Hollywood* podcast featuring producer Brian Grazer and director Ron Howard. Their discussion highlighted a high-stakes rivalry surrounding the iconic mermaid film *Splash*, which starred Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah and was released in 1984. The film not only marked a significant moment for Disney, but it also played an instrumental role in launching Hanks’ career.
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According to Grazer, the production faced fierce opposition from rival producer Ray Stark, who was intent on sabotaging *Splash* before it even hit the cinemas. Stark had committed his resources to a separate mermaid-themed project featuring Warren Beatty and Jessica Lange, directed by Herbert Ross. As both mermaid films began development around the same time, the finish line loomed closer, creating a race that added fuel to the competition.
Grazer recounted a tense meeting with Stark where he experienced direct threats regarding the script. “He threatened me. You know, I was just a punk. He threatened me that, like, ‘I’m going to crush your career. You’re screwed,'” Grazer revealed. Although he was relatively inexperienced at the time, Stark’s intimidation tactic was clear, sparking anxiety about the future of *Splash*.
When Grazer stood firm and refused to pull the plug on the film, Stark reportedly escalated his tactics. He approached Ron Miller, who was then the chairman of Disney and had a history of resilience both on and off the field, having played professional football and served in the military. Stark allegedly offered Miller 5% of the film’s first dollar gross in exchange for abandoning *Splash*. According to Grazer, Miller’s response was unequivocal: “No, we’re doing it anyway. F–k you.”
Director Ron Howard, who joined the podcast for the discussion, wasn’t privy to Stark’s exchanges but felt the pressure of the looming competition. He distinctly remembered conversations with studio executives about the urgency of getting *Splash* completed before Stark’s film could be released. Howard expressed determination, stating, “I’m 26 years old. Herbert Ross is not going to beat me to the market. If that’s what you’re worried about, I will live at the studio.”
Ultimately, the film starring Beatty and Lange failed to materialise, while *Splash* went on to become a commercial success, grossing over £69 million at the box office. The film’s popularity signified not just a win for Disney, but also cemented Tom Hanks as a household name during the 1980s, paving the way for an illustrious acting career.
This story serves as a testament to the often cutthroat nature of the film industry, where the stakes can be exceedingly high and competition can get personal. The successful completion of *Splash* stands as an example of how determination, coupled with support from influential figures, can overcome even the most hostile of challenges.
The events surrounding the production of *Splash* reveal more than mere rivalry; they speak to the resilience found within the creative arts. Grazer and Howard’s experience reminds us that while the glitz and glamour of Hollywood are often what people see, the reality involves high-pressure decision-making and a willingness to stand firm in the face of adversity.
Events such as the rivalry over *Splash* may often be forgotten in the annals of Hollywood history, but they illuminate the complex relationships and challenges behind the scenes. As audiences reflect on the legacy of the film, the battles fought in boardrooms and meetings underscore the dedication required to bring a vision to life.