TL;DR
Prince was the original choice to play Ruby Rhod in The Fifth Element, but he declined due to scheduling conflicts and costume concerns. The role was ultimately played by Chris Tucker, shaping the film’s iconic style.
Prince was the original choice to portray Ruby Rhod in Luc Besson’s 1997 film The Fifth Element, but he ultimately declined due to scheduling conflicts and concerns over costume design, leading to Chris Tucker’s casting.
According to statements from Luc Besson and Jean Paul Gaultier, Prince was approached and agreed to play Ruby Rhod, a role that was specifically written with him in mind. Besson revealed in a Reddit AMA that Prince had to decline because of a lengthy world tour, making scheduling impossible. Gaultier recounted that he met Prince during a Paris concert tour, where the singer expressed disapproval of the costume sketches, describing them as ‘too effeminate.’
Gaultier shared that Prince found the costumes too effeminate and believed he heard a misunderstanding of his French words as an insult. The costume designs, which reflected Gaultier’s avant-garde vision, were inspired by gender nonconformity, aligning with Prince’s own image. Ultimately, the role went to Chris Tucker, who became iconic for his performance.
Why It Matters
This revelation highlights how a different casting choice could have altered the tone and style of The Fifth Element. Prince’s unique persona and performance style might have brought a markedly different energy to the film, which is celebrated for its flamboyant aesthetic and camp. It also underscores the influence of scheduling and costume design considerations on major film roles, and how they can shape Hollywood history.
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Background
Prince, a legendary musician known for his gender-bending style, was approached for the role of Ruby Rhod during the film’s pre-production. The film, directed by Luc Besson, was released in 1997 and became a cult classic, partly due to its bold visual style and eccentric characters. The role was initially conceived with Prince in mind, given his persona and the character’s flamboyant nature. Prince’s touring schedule and his reaction to Gaultier’s costume sketches prevented his participation. Chris Tucker ultimately played Ruby Rhod, a performance that became iconic and integral to the film’s identity.
“It was written for Prince. I met him, he said yes. But then he went on a world tour for 10 years!! We couldn’t find time in his schedule. Then I started casting and the two finalists were Chris Tucker and Jamie Foxx. Jamie was amazing, but he was as strong as Bruce, and Chris looked like a shrimp so I knew it would be funnier.”
— Luc Besson
“Prince found the costumes a bit too effeminate. And, most importantly, he had thought he heard, ‘Fuck you, fuck you!’ when I was saying ‘faux cul, faux cul’.”
— Jean Paul Gaultier
“Later, Luc told me that Prince had been very surprised and amused — by my presentation, but that he found the costumes a bit too effeminate.”
— Jean Paul Gaultier
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how different Prince’s performance might have been or how the film’s reception might have changed with him in the role. Details about Prince’s specific thoughts on the character beyond costume concerns remain unconfirmed.
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What’s Next
Further insights may emerge as more interviews or behind-the-scenes details are shared. The focus may shift to how this revelation influences perceptions of the film’s casting history and its iconic status.
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Key Questions
Why did Prince decline to play Ruby Rhod?
Prince declined due to scheduling conflicts caused by his extensive world tour and discomfort with the costume designs, which he found ‘too effeminate.’
What would have been different if Prince had played Ruby Rhod?
While speculative, Prince’s unique persona and performance style might have brought a different energy and tone to the character, possibly influencing the film’s overall aesthetic and cultural impact.
How did Chris Tucker come to be cast as Ruby Rhod?
After Prince’s withdrawal, Luc Besson considered finalists including Jamie Foxx and Chris Tucker, ultimately choosing Tucker for his comedic timing and energetic performance, which became iconic.
Are there visual or concept sketches of what Prince’s Ruby Rhod would have looked like?
Yes, Jean Paul Gaultier shared sketches of the costume designs, which reflect Gaultier’s avant-garde style and the character’s flamboyant personality, though the final role was played by Tucker.
