Bruce Willis’ Abandoned Rom Com Traumatized the Entire Crew

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The movie titled “Broadway Brawler,” often cited as a compelling illustration of behind-the-scenes Hollywood turmoil and a captivating instance of missing media, serves as an intriguing case study. In the 1997 production, Bruce Willis was originally cast to play a former hockey player, alongside his on-screen partner Maura Tierney. However, it’s important to note “was,” because the film was never finished. Disregard the 39 reviews on IMDb, as they are fabricated. Unfortunately, due to its mysterious disappearance, much like Jimmy Hoffa, no scenes from this production have ever been released to the public, despite speculations that some may exist. In an unprecedented move, Willis took drastic steps, acting out like a diva and effectively hindering the film’s progression, burning through two directors in the process.

In the 20 days he spent on set, it’s safe to say he didn’t acquire any new acquaintances or friendships. His actions were far from a simple misunderstanding; they were more like a cleanup operation for him as a superstar. It seems that during his time there, Willis engaged in conflicts with everyone on the set, taking charge of situations. This behavior earned him the nickname “Broadway Brawler,” which ultimately prevented him from pursuing directing roles later on. Surprisingly, he was given another opportunity by Disney, although at a significantly lower salary. This led to his involvement in two of their highest-grossing films. Some people really do have all the luck… unless we’re talking about his music career, which is a different story altogether.

Lights, Camera… Therapy

The only real proof of the movie being made is a promotional trading card found online showcasing Bruce Willis as the main character, Eddy Kapinsky, a former New York Ranger defenseman. Producers Joseph Feury and director Lee Grant had been developing the script for several years, trying to get Willis involved, with Tierney and Daniel Baldwin also cast. Eventually, Willis agreed to star and produce, but his role as producer grew larger over time. Despite all their efforts and careful planning, things fell apart as soon as filming began. In an interview with the LA Times, cinematographer William Fraker openly criticized Willis.

Initially, Lee was excelling in his role as director, and Bruce was guiding the other performers on their acting techniques. The script was exceptional, and Lee’s interpretation presented a captivating love story set against the backdrop of hockey. However, it seems that Bruce began to assert too much control. I have been involved in this industry for quite some time now, and I have the feeling that the actors are encroaching upon the director’s duties. We all work under the direction of the director; they are ultimately in charge. If the actors aspire to direct, they should consider pursuing that role separately.

It was reported that, much like he did with his job responsibilities, Willis pushed hard to dictate how everyone else should carry out their roles on set. This included suggesting camera angles and repeatedly asking for close-ups. There were whispers that he wouldn’t collaborate unless he received more screen time. The tension between actor and director is often a Hollywood norm, but it seems Willis managed to estrange himself in an unprecedentedly swift manner. To add fuel to the fire, the production had invested a significant $28 million into this film, with no alternative options or willingness to negotiate. If Willis decided to leave, the entire project would be in jeopardy without any backup plan.

The ‘Broadway Brawler’ Body Count Rises

The movie lasted less than three weeks during its main filming, as tensions escalated, causing Willis to effectively take over directing duties. In an article for Variety published in March 1997, Grant expressed his feelings following the disagreement: “We had invested two years into this project and managed to get Bruce involved. It was bizarre: one moment everything was going well, and then, when a sudden whim could bring it down, it felt like a tornado.

It’s not just Grant who was let go, but also Feury (his wife, a producer), Fraker the renowned cinematographer, and surprisingly, a costume designer as well. All of them had extensive industry experience, with Feury even winning an Oscar for a 1985 documentary that Grant directed. It seems that Willis might have preferred more scenes focusing on him in tank tops with a brooding look. The speculation is that the whole fiasco was entirely Willis’ fault.

As a follower, I’d rephrase it as: Dennis Dugan, previously Willis’ director on Moonlighting, stepped in temporarily when Grant couldn’t make it. By then, it had become evident that Willis was intoxicated by power. The film had already consumed $24 million out of the $28 million budget without any significant progress. Tierney, balancing her Newsradio commitment and an upcoming movie called Primary Colors, was frequently traveling between LA and the Delaware set for Broadway Brawler each week, potentially causing further delays for the production. This raised concerns at the studio due to the red flags it presented.

A reshoot is required to satisfy Willis, which is another sign that the movie might fail. The initial warning was when everyone was let go all at once. Instead of trying to adapt, Cinergi Pictures closed the set only a few weeks after filming began, demonstrating the immense (and unsettling) influence of an actor’s arrogance on a production.

Bruce Willis Proves Why He Gets Top Billing

Willis quickly bounced back from his troubles due to his popularity, maintaining a steady rhythm. The Disney Company, which owned Cinergi, graciously offered him another opportunity by covering the $24 million debt. This leniency was likely due to Willis’ past collaboration with Andy Vajna of Cinergi on the third Die Hard film. Facing potential legal action or being shunned, Willis agreed to a gentlemen’s agreement.

As part of a penalties-laden arrangement that saw him earn significantly less than his usual wage, he agreed to star in three Disney productions: The Sixth Sense, Armageddon, and others. By 1997, it was rumored in the trade papers that he would eventually finish Broadway Brawler. However, this did not happen, as movie enthusiasts have already figured out.

As a movie critic, I can confidently say that movies like “Armageddon” and “The Sixth Sense” need no introduction. The third film in this trio, “The Kid,” might not be as memorable, but it certainly made over $100 million, which was quite impressive for a comedy back then. Vajna and Disney were smart to invest in Willis, even with his notorious attitude.

In retrospect, Willis’ handling of the situation could have been better, but escaping from “Broadway Brawler” turned out to be a shrewd move. Although I must give credit to the scriptwriters and director, “The Kid” seems like a predictable ’90s romantic comedy, with a hint of similarity to the 1992 ice hockey-themed romance “The Cutting Edge.” Alas, we’ll never know what could have been, as whatever footage was shot remains locked away, following Willis’ intention.

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2025-07-06 23:02