Actors generally are in a strange predicament. Before filming, they have no power whatsoever. They are begging for a job. Once they are cast, and once shooting starts, they are basically irreplaceable and have all the power. That is why it is so rare to hear of a film firing a starring actor once they are well into production. It just is not done. Alfred Hitchcock summed it up ruefully: “Disney has the best casting. If he doesn’t like an actor, he just tears them up.”
Things devolved as production went on. We were filming an elaborate water sequence on Pyramid Lake in which the entire team of actors—and the animals—float down a river on an ornate dragon raft. As was our practice we shot out all the actors first, prior to involving animals. Marc and the lead actress performed a cute, flirty scene, with the other actors looking on from the back of the raft. It all went well and then it was time to bring in the tiger. In retrospect, I probably should have nicely asked the actors if they would mind waiting on the raft while we motored back to shore in the speedboat to grab the big cat. Instead, as we sped off, I called over my shoulder, “We’ll be right back with the tiger!” I guess this didn’t sit well with my star. It also didn’t help that as soon as we departed our assistant director announced lunch was being served. I later heard that Marc flagged down a nearby fisherman and forced him to motor the Beastmaster back to shore.
Paul and I jumped off the speedboat and hustled to the animal training area, intent on getting the big animal on the boat quickly. I remember sensing the earth move and hearing some loud thumping noises behind us, but didn’t think much of it. I had no way of knowing that the Beastmaster was angrily charging at us. WHAP! Suddenly I was grabbed from behind and lifted in the air. Stunned, I looked over to see Paul dangling beside me. The Beastmaster had us in his clutches and was shaking us like rag dolls. He was screaming, “Don’t you ever leave me behind again!” For a moment, Paul and I were stunned as it sunk in that we were being physically manhandled and, even worse, humiliated in front of the very large crew by this angry, muscle-bound actor. It’s an extremely rare occurrence for an actor to physically grab a director or producer in Hollywood. When it finally sunk in what was happening to us, Paul and I were livid and tried to retaliate. Normally, a producer and director would never wish ill will on their lead actor, especially one whose scenes had not yet been finished. After months of very difficult shooting we both just snapped. We had to take this guy down.
One problem. He was the Beastmaster and we were not.
It was like swatting at King Kong. For months the Beastmaster had exercised himself into tip-top physical shape. The dude was a physical specimen, while Paul and I descended into a stress-filled nightmare of a long shoot with bad food and no sleep. Our muscles were atrophying while his were growing stronger! Finally he showed us some mercy and literally tossed us to the ground. Paul and I tumbled to an unceremonious heap in the dust, still both cursing up a blue streak at him. The Beastmaster turned and stomped away.
Later, after Paul had called and yelled at Marc’s agent and we all had settled down somewhat, there was a knock at the production trailer door. It opened and there was Marc, standing alone in the doorway like a forlorn child. “I need a hug,” was all he said. So Paul and I did the only thing we could possibly do under the circumstances to keep the project moving forward. We swallowed our pride, stepped out of the trailer, and in view of the entire crew we received a big bear hug from the Beastmaster.
Despite all of my gripes, I still believe Marc was the right choice for the role. His natural on-screen charm and terrific physical performance were key elements of the film’s success. His dedication to learning the intricacy of the swordplay and working with the animals was unwavering. Marc breathed life into a character that ultimately resonated with an entire generation of cable TV–watching kids. He’s also the only person I’ve ever met who could wear a leather skirt and make it look macho.