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David Lynch is a filmmaker whose mere mention will likely remind cinema buffs of a surreal cinematic experience like none other. The veteran director recently passed away leaving a large hole in the world that can never truly be filled. As a result, fans around the world are taking a look back at Lynch’s enigmatic career.
During his early days as an up-and-coming filmmaker, Lynch clashed with one of his actors while working on the critically acclaimed filmThe Elephant Man. While working on the movie Marvel star Anthony Hopkins was unsure of Lynch’s capability to helm the project and allegedly tried to get him fired. Here is what happened between Hopkins and Lynch duringThe Elephant Man‘s production.
Anthony Hopkins allegedly tried to get David Lynch fired fromThe Elephant Man
Following the success of his debut directorial effort,Eraserhead,filmmakerDavid Lynchdirected the 1980 biographical dramaThe Elephant Man. The film is loosely based on the life of Joseph Merrick, and John Hurt andAnthony Hopkinsappear in the lead role.
However, Hurt and Hopkins clashed with Lynch during the film’s production. Hurt was reportedly unhappy with the makeup for his deformed character, which took almost five hours to apply. As a result, Lynch was forced to hire a makeup specialist leaving him disappointed.
I thought it would be better to kill myself because I could hardly stand to be in my body.
Lynch made the above statement (via/Film) about the makeup process as he was used to handling most of the creative departments for his projects by himself. Meanwhile, Hurt admitted toThe Irish Timesthat the makeup process made him hate acting.
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At the same time, Hopkins started doubting Lynch’s capability to helm such a large-scale project. In a separate report fromThe Irish Times, theAcademy Award-winning Hannibal Lecteractor tried to get Lynch fired from the film. In the same report, producer Mel Brooks admitted that he received an angry call from Hopkins but denied the actor demanding Lynch’s sacking.
Mel Brooks maintained his faith in David Lynch’s vision forThe Elephant Man
Brooks had handpicked Lynch to direct the movie after being blown away by his work onEraserhead. As a result, despite the complaints from his lead actors, the actor-producer maintained his faith in the director’s vision for the film and did not fire him.
The film emerged as a critical and commercial successgrossing$26 million at the domestic box office against a small budget of $5 million. It was also nominated for eight Academy Awards, including a Best Director nod for Lynch. Although it did not win a single award, it is safe to say that Lynch repaid Brooks’ faith in him.
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Lynch who had been diagnosed with emphysemasadly passed away on July 16, 2025, following a terminal decline in his health. Following Lynch’s passing, Brooks took toX, sharing a touching tribute to the late director. He praised Lynch’s unique directorial style, admitting it was a pleasure to work with him.
The Elephant Mancan be rented on Amazon Prime Video.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1773
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
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