The True Story Behind Bruce Campbell's Casting in "Bubba Ho-Tep"
Bruce Campbell was absolutely amazing in Bubba Ho-tep
When it comes to cult classic films, "Bubba Ho-Tep" stands out as a unique and beloved gem. Directed by Don Coscarelli, the film gained significant attention for its intriguing storyline and the casting of the legendary Bruce Campbell. In this blog post, we delve into the true story of how Bruce Campbell landed the role in "Bubba Ho-Tep," featuring insights from both Don Coscarelli and Bruce Campbell himself.
The Serendipitous Encounter:
Bruce Campbell's casting in "Bubba Ho-Tep" took an interesting turn thanks to a phone call between director Don Coscarelli and renowned filmmaker Sam Raimi. As Don Coscarelli explains in his incredible memoir True Indie, Coscarelli was in the process of casting for the role of Elvis Presley when he received a voicemail from Raimi’s assistant inviting him to a screening of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. When Coscarelli called Raimi back it turned out to be an elaborate prank and there was no screening! Raimi and Coscarelli shared a laugh about the prankster and then started talking about what projects they were both working on. A longtime collaborator and friend of Campbell. Raimi, who had worked with Campbell on the "Evil Dead" series, had heard about Coscarelli's Bubba Ho-tep and was intrigued.
During their conversation, Raimi suggested that Coscarelli consider casting Campbell for the role of Elvis. Raimi spoke highly of Campbell's talent and believed he would be a perfect fit for the offbeat and eccentric character. Intrigued by Raimi's endorsement, Coscarelli decided to take a closer look at Campbell's work and the chemistry between the director and the actor began to build.
Impressed by Campbell's diverse range and iconic portrayal of Ash Williams in the "Evil Dead" franchise, Coscarelli eventually reached out to Campbell directly. The two met and instantly connected, sharing a mutual admiration for each other's work. Campbell was intrigued by the script and the opportunity to play the aging Elvis Presley, and Coscarelli had full confidence that Campbell could bring the necessary charisma and depth to the role.
The collaboration between Coscarelli and Campbell in "Bubba Ho-Tep" proved to be a success. Campbell fully embraced the role, undergoing a transformation to embody the physicality and mannerisms of an elderly Elvis. His portrayal of the legendary musician garnered critical acclaim, adding another memorable character to Campbell's impressive repertoire.
The serendipitous phone call from Sam Raimi served as a catalyst, bringing together the talents of Don Coscarelli and Bruce Campbell in a unique and unforgettable film. "Bubba Ho-Tep" stands as a testament to the power of networking and the power of recognizing and harnessing the skills and charisma of a talented actor.
Coscarelli goes into greater detail about this and the shooting of Bubba Ho-tep in his fantastic memoir True Indie!
Fun photo of Don Coscarelli and Bruce Campbell while at the Toronto Film Festival. Photo via TheGate.ca
Campbell's Enthusiasm:
Bruce Campbell, renowned for his portrayal of Ash Williams in the "Evil Dead" series, was intrigued by the script of "Bubba Ho-Tep." Campbell expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "When Don handed me the script, I was immediately drawn to the character of Elvis Presley. It was such a unique and offbeat role, I couldn't resist."
Coscarelli's Confidence in Campbell:
Don Coscarelli was convinced that Bruce Campbell was the perfect fit for the role of an aging Elvis Presley in "Bubba Ho-Tep." Coscarelli praised Campbell, saying, "Bruce has an undeniable charisma and an incredible range as an actor. I knew he could bring the right blend of humor, vulnerability, and eccentricity to the character."
Campbell's Transformation:
To prepare for the role, Bruce Campbell underwent a significant transformation to embody the essence of an elderly Elvis Presley. Campbell revealed, "I worked closely with the makeup and costume departments to create the look of Elvis in his later years. It was a collaborative effort to capture the physicality and mannerisms of the iconic musician."
Rare photo of Bruce and Ossie on the set of Bubba Ho-tep
The Unique Storyline:
One of the aspects that attracted both Coscarelli and Campbell to "Bubba Ho-Tep" was its unique storyline. The film revolves around a retirement home where an elderly Elvis Presley teams up with a man claiming to be John F. Kennedy to fight an ancient Egyptian mummy. Campbell described the script as "bold, imaginative, and unlike anything I had ever seen before."
Cult Following and Legacy:
"Bubba Ho-Tep" was released in 2002 and quickly gained a cult following, largely due to the exceptional performances of Bruce Campbell and the film's offbeat concept. Campbell acknowledged the film's enduring appeal, stating, "It's incredible to see how 'Bubba Ho-Tep' has resonated with fans over the years. It's a testament to the creativity and passion that went into making the film."
The casting of Bruce Campbell in "Bubba Ho-Tep" was a result of a chance meeting, Campbell's enthusiasm for the script, and Don Coscarelli's confidence in his abilities as an actor. The film remains a standout in Campbell’s career and continues to captivate audiences with its eccentric storyline and memorable performances. As Don Coscarelli and Bruce Campbell came together, "Bubba Ho-Tep" became a cult classic, further solidifying the talents and legacies of these celebrated individuals in the world of cinema.