Kevin Bacon Remembers Chilling Discovery During Wild Things Filming

Kevin Bacon recently recounted a haunting experience from the set of his 1998 film Wild Things. During a video segment where he revisited lines from past films with Variety, Bacon shared a surprising anecdote that left viewers astonished.

While filming a scene in a swampy area flooded with mosquitoes, Bacon recalled an unsettling incident. He described the environment as both eerie and reflective of the movie’s intense themes. “We were out in the swamp one night—lots of mosquitoes, wow—and we were shooting some scene along a river,” he said. “They had floated a raft out there to put up a light.”

Suddenly, he heard a chilling message come through his walkie-talkie: “Hey, uh, I think I just saw a floater.” To his shock, the ‘floater’ turned out to be a floating body, which Bacon humorously noted was symbolic of the film’s vibe. His laughter at the bizarre memory contrasted with the grim reality of the situation.

Unraveling the Plot of Wild Things

Wild Things featured a star-studded cast, including Matt Dillon, Neve Campbell, and Denise Richards. The film’s plot revolves around Dillon’s character, who concocts an extortion scheme involving high school students, all while Bacon portrays the detective trying to crack the case. As the story unfolds, unexpected twists reveal that Dillon and Bacon’s characters have a complicated connection.

Director John McNaughton’s Accounts

The film’s director, John McNaughton, spoke about the peculiar incident during the movie’s original release. “We called the police, and they actually grabbed the body and kept it from getting into our shot,” he recounted. The production faced numerous challenges, including a tornado that nearly damaged several trailers on set. These trials added a layer of unpredictability to the filming process.

Bacon’s Initial Reaction to the Script

Bacon, also an executive producer for the film, expressed his mixed feelings about the script upon first reading it. “When I first picked up the script, I thought, ‘Oh, my God, this is the trashiest piece of crap I’ve ever read.’ But every few pages, I kept discovering that it wasn’t what it seemed. Each twist surprised me,” he detailed. His thoughts mirrored the responses of many critics, who initially panned Wild Things as “trash.”

The Evolution of Wild Things into a Cult Classic

Despite critical reviews labeling it as distasteful, Wild Things found a dedicated fanbase. The film grossed over $30 million during its theatrical run and spawned several direct-to-video sequels. Its provocative narrative and gripping twists have allowed it to stand the test of time, now regarded by many as a cult classic.

As Bacon revisits this particular story from the filming of Wild Things, the dichotomy between the film’s sensational narrative and the real-life sequence of events underscores the unpredictable nature of filmmaking. While the project encountered moments of tension and drama, it ultimately transformed into a story that resonated with audiences, cementing its place in pop culture history.

The Lasting Impact on Kevin Bacon

Reflecting on his experiences, Bacon not only emphasized the intrigue of Wild Things but also the strange circumstances that accompanied the filming. He continues to share these stories with an excitement that fans appreciate. This blend of shock and nostalgia offers insight into the unpredictable world of Hollywood production, where unexpected moments often define the filmmaking experience.