Why the spiritual successor to A Fish Called Wanda became a production nightmare
In short: Fierce Creatures reunited the legendary cast of A Fish Called Wanda, yet the 1997 comedy struggled through years of reshoots, creative friction, and shifting studio demands. Despite the star power of John Cleese and Jamie Lee Curtis, the film remains a cautionary tale about the limits of post-production tinkering.
The film originated from a 1967 sketch by Michael Palin and Terry Jones, but the project only gained momentum when John Cleese began writing the script in 1992. By the time shooting commenced in May 1995, the production was already plagued by internal tension. Director Robert Young struggled to manage a set where the cast frequently improvised, leading to a feeling of unease and a lack of clear direction. Although filming finished in August 1995, early previews revealed a sagging plot that failed to land with audiences.
In February 1996, the decision was made to reshoot significant portions of the movie. Because of cast availability, these scenes were delayed until August 1996, requiring the hiring of a second director, Fred Schepisi, to replace Young. These reshoots cost an additional $7 million. The process became a battle of attrition, with actors' lawyers dictating changes and focus groups in Long Island eventually determining the final 93-minute cut. By the time the film reached theaters, much of Cleese's original social commentary had been stripped away to favor aggressive, fast-paced farce.
Critical reception was lukewarm, with many reviewers unfavorably comparing the film to its predecessor. Roger Ebert noted that it lacked the precise timing that made A Fish Called Wanda a classic. Commercially, the film earned $40 million worldwide, but the experience left a lasting mark on its creators. Cleese later admitted that attempting to follow up on his previous success was a mistake, famously stating in 2008 that he would not have made the film if he could live his life again.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Fierce Creatures
- Also: Wikidata — Fierce Creatures · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Fierce Creatures · CC0
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