Ron Howard Made a ‘Wee-Wee’ in Front of Kevin Bacon While Making “Apollo 13”, Plus More Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

Ron Howard’s Embarrassing Moment in Front of Kevin Bacon During ‘Apollo 13’ Filming

Renowned filmmaker Ron Howard recently revealed some unexpected behind-the-scenes moments from the production of the iconic film ‘Apollo 13’. As the movie celebrates its 30th anniversary with a re-release in IMAX theatres starting September 19, Howard took the opportunity to share some intriguing anecdotes about directing the Academy Award-winning film. ‘Apollo 13’ chronicles the gripping real-life story of NASA’s thwarted lunar mission in 1970, where astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise, portrayed by Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton, were compelled to improvise a return to Earth following a catastrophic explosion in space.

In addition to the stellar performances by the lead actors, Ed Harris, Gary Sinise, and Kathleen Quinlan also delivered outstanding portrayals in the film, which garnered nine Academy Award nominations and secured two wins. Howard’s insights into the making of ‘Apollo 13’ offer a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and surprises he encountered while bringing this epic story to life on the big screen.

During a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Ron Howard disclosed a rather embarrassing incident that occurred during filming. As part of the preparation for shooting weightless scenes in a Boeing KC-135, also known as the “Vomit Comet,” Howard and his cast underwent rigorous Air Force physical exams. Howard shared a humorous yet mortifying moment when he experienced a vasovagal syncope episode, causing him to pass out and accidentally urinate in front of his co-star Kevin Bacon. The unexpected mishap led to a comical interaction between Howard and Bacon, resulting in a lighthearted agreement to keep the incident under wraps.

Interestingly, Jim Lovell, the astronaut portrayed by Tom Hanks in ‘Apollo 13’, had a specific actor in mind to play his character – Kevin Costner. According to Howard, Lovell expressed a desire for Costner to portray him due to their resemblance and Costner’s burgeoning popularity at the time. However, Costner’s unavailability prevented the casting, leading to Tom Hanks delivering an exceptional performance that resonated with audiences worldwide.

In another surprising revelation, Howard shared his initial reluctance to cast his own mother, Jean Speegle Howard, in the role of Lovell’s mother in the film. Despite reservations about her age matching the character, Jean’s determination and versatility convinced her son to give her the part. Her memorable line, “If they could get a washing machine to fly, my Jimmy could land it,” became a standout moment in the movie, showcasing the Howard family’s talent and rapport on screen.

‘Apollo 13’ marked a significant departure for Ron Howard as it was his first foray into directing a film based on real events. The experience of retelling this historic space mission deepened Howard’s appreciation for authentic storytelling and the power of conveying true stories on film. Overcoming initial concerns about creative limitations, Howard found that delving into factual narratives added a new dimension to his filmmaking process, allowing him to explore the inherent drama and emotion of real-life events.

As ‘Apollo 13’ returns to IMAX theatres for a limited run, audiences have the opportunity to revisit this cinematic masterpiece that captures the resilience and ingenuity of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Ron Howard’s candid reflections on the making of the film offer a glimpse into the intricate process of bringing historical moments to life on screen, resonating with moviegoers and space enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, Ron Howard’s candid anecdotes shed light on the profound impact of ‘Apollo 13’ both as a cinematic achievement and a testament to the endurance of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. Through his behind-the-scenes revelations, Howard provides a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of recreating a pivotal moment in space exploration history, cementing ‘Apollo 13’ as a timeless classic that continues to inspire audiences across generations.