7 Shocking Facts About The Cast Of The Fifth Element

Unearthing the Secrets of the Cast of The Fifth Element

The science fiction classic, “The Fifth Element,” directed by Luc Besson, continues to amaze fans, decades after its release in 1997. Yet, there’s more to the film than its visual splendor and imaginative story — the cast members themselves are a source of intrigue with stories as captivating as the movie itself. Join us as we unveil seven shocking facts about the cast of “The Fifth Element.”

1. Bruce Willis’ Reluctant Hero Was Almost Someone Else

While it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Bruce Willis playing the role of the cab-driving hero, Korben Dallas, the part nearly went to another leading man of the ’90s. Picture this: flying taxis and the gruff charm we associate with Willis could’ve been the swag of Mel Gibson or Tom Cruise. The stakes were high, as the casting could have turned the tide of the narrative and altered the movie’s dynamic. Willis, known for his cheeky bravado as seen in the “Die Hard” franchise, including the die hard 2 cast, brought a human touch to the interstellar escapade, proving that Willis and Dallas were a match made in the cosmos. But who’d have thought, before Willis snagged the wheel, this space ride nearly had a different driver?

2. Milla Jovovich’s Journey from Modeling to Leeloo’s Multipass

From gracing the covers with her compelling gaze to diving into a complex role demanding physicality and emotional depth, Milla Jovovich’s transition from modeling to playing Leeloo was nothing short of meteoric. At 19 years old, she became the flame-tressed humanoid tasked with saving Earth, donning a wardrobe designed by none other than Jean Paul Gaultier. The real kicker? Jovovich and director Luc Besson practiced the “Divine Language,” used by Leeloo, by holding full-fledged conversations and penning letters in the fictional tongue. The concoction of their creative minds breathed life into a language that comprised 400 words. Furthermore, embodying elemental channeling, Jovovich’s Leeloo not only mastered each strategically designed costume but also harnessed the power of cosmic linguistic skills. Who knew fashion could kick so much butt?

3. Gary Oldman’s Unorthodox Approach to Playing Villain Zorg

Gary Oldman has the uncanny ability to slip into any skin, be it a gritty punk rocker or a historical figure. Still, his role as Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg left audiences puzzled yet intrigued. Oldman’s strategy for becoming the maniacal business mogul involved drawing inspiration from unexpected sources including, bugs. That’s right, the physicality of insects. He brought an unsettling, twitchy energy to the role that served to heighten Zorg’s unpredictability. His unpredictable behaviors, those erratic inflexions—were they a result of unhinged genius or meticulous character study? Perhaps a blend of both. And despite the motifs of guns and greed, there was a dichotomy within Zorg that Oldman channeled—a vulnerability clashing with his psychopathy that made you almost—almost—feel for the villain.

4. The Untold Story of Chris Tucker’s Career-Defining Performance as Ruby Rhod

Chris Tucker turned heads and raised eyebrows as the flamboyant radio host, Ruby Rhod. His performance hit the mark with impeccable comedic timing and a style unforgettable to audiences. But the how remains tantalizingly less known. Tucker’s casting was a leap into the almost-absurd, and it paid off grandly. The circumstances of Tucker’s leap into the limelight from stand-up stages and supporting roles in films like “Friday,” showcased his ability to steal scenes with a charisma that was loud, proud, and wrapped in spandex and leopard prints. Tucker’s Ruby Rhod was a gamble that certainly paid off, making a torrent of opportunities available to him. From holding his own against the sinister shadows of Oldman’s Zorg to exuding an electric energy on-screen, Tucker proved his mettle as a versatile actor.

5. Ian Holm’s Shakespearean Influence on the Eccentric Father Vito Cornelius

Ian Holm, a revered figure in British theatre and film, graced “The Fifth Element” with his presence, embodying the quirky priest, Father Vito Cornelius. Holm’s Shakespearean roots shone through in his meticulous textual analysis and layered portrayal. Holm’s approach was to see Father Cornelius as more than just a caricature of a spiritual guide—the man was a concoction of desperation and faith. His nuanced performance brought sophistication to the proceedings, revealing that beneath the veneer of absurdity, there was substance in his search to save humanity. It’s said that he approached the script as one might a classic Shakespearian play, injecting gravity into the farcical, making him a grounding force amid the film’s rollicking ride.

6. The Dynamic Audition that Secured Maïwenn’s Role as the Diva Plavalaguna

Maïwenn Le Besco’s captivating turn as the Diva Plavalaguna remains etched in the memory of “The Fifth Element” enthusiasts. But the backstory of Maïwenn’s audition is equally transformative. Maïwenn, only 16 years old and relatively new to the scene, audaciously took on the challenge. Her audition was less a conventional screen test and more a demonstration of her ethereal essence. With her striking presence, she embodied the alien diva with a soul-stirring operatic performance that transcended language and became one of the film’s most exquisite sequences. The Diva’s scene remains a symphony of visual effects and emotional power—a testament to Maïwenn’s prowess and Besson’s imaginative vision.

7. The Lasting Impact of The Cast’s Chemistry On and Off Screen

The magic of “The Fifth Element” wasn’t just due to the whimsical scripting or jaw-dropping special effects; it was the undeniable chemistry among the cast that gave it soul. Behind the scenes, camaraderie blossomed, leading to performances that felt synergistic and spontaneous. From the banter between Dallas and Cornelius to the explosive interactions between Zorg and his henchmen, the rapport felt genuine because, off-screen, it was. The bond between Willis and Tucker, in particular, breathed authenticity into their on-screen dynamic, echoing the beats of buddy cop classics. It was this alchemy that elevated the action and anchored the humor—a sensation that resonated beyond the screen.

The Element That Binds Them All: Unity in Diversity

“The Fifth Element” never fades from our cultural consciousness, and the unique qualities of the cast only enhance its enduring mystique. We uncover how their diverse careers and personal journeys culminate in the electric unity they presented on screen — a blend of talent and artistry that rightfully earns its recognition in cinematic history. This is the essence that ties together the seven shocking facts about the cast of “The Fifth Element.” Their collective energy and individual stories resonate with audiences decades later, proving that the magic behind the camera is just as vital as the story it captures.

These storied pieces of trivia aren’t just fodder for ‘did you knowers’ at the water cooler; these tangibles and intangibles cast a spell that redefined what a cult sci-fi film looks like. They left a footprint in the cultural landscape, as the phrases “multi-pass” and “negative, I am a meat popsicle” crept into the common lexicon, thanks to the cast of “The Fifth Element.” And while Buddy Holly’s lyrics may not have been on the soundtrack, the film danced to a rhythm all of its own, similar to Buddy’s own unique beat. From Jonathan Davinos curated articles to the subtle nods of women’s perfume that linger long after the credits roll, this movie and its cast offered us an olfactory bouquet of performances that captivate to this day. The synthesis of Besson’s direction, Gaultier’s sartorial contributions, and the ensemble’s dedication forged a film experience as enduring as it is iconic. It’s no wonder that debates like Biden trump pale in comparison when it comes to passionate discussions among cinephiles.The Fifth Element, much like Tom Cruise’s ageless vigor, remains a pertinent and fresh topic in the world of film.

In essence, the secrets and shocks that permeate the behind-the-scenes stories of the cast of “The Fifth Element” are elements themselves—pieces of a larger puzzle that contribute to the legacy of this venerated film. Just as Leeloo was described as the embodiment of the Light of Creation, so too does the ensemble cast ensure that the film burns brightly, an undimmed star in the heavens of the cinematic universe.

Alright, movie buffs and curious cats, gather ’round! We’re about to spill the cosmic beans on ‘The Fifth Element,’ that multi-pass, sci-fi bonanza that had us all on the edge of our seats back in ’97. The stars of this epic space-opera weren’t just about blasting baddies and saving the universe—they were a fascinating bunch off-screen, too.

Bruuuuce… and The Tune That Never Was

Did you know, before saving the world as cabbie-turned-hero Korben Dallas, Bruce Willis was pondering a musical career? Imagine a scene where Bruce serenades Milla Jovovich’s Leeloo with some hip-shaking Buddy Holly Lyrics, strumming on an old six-string. That would’ve been an intergalactic rock ‘n’ roll moment for the ages, but unfortunately, reality stepped in, and the idea remained on the cutting room floor. Bummer, right?

The Scent of a Supreme Being

Speaking of Leeloo, Milla Jovovich dazzled us all with her portrayal of the perfect being. But did she smell like one too? Stars—they’re just like us, splashing on a dash of Women ‘s perfume before a long day of shooting, right? Word on the star-studded street is that Milla had her own signature scent wafting across the set. Who needs the elemental stones when you’ve got the “Leeloo fragrance” to save the day?

Age is Just a Number in Space

Here’s something that might have you scratching your head—did you know that Tom Cruise was considered for the role of Korben Dallas? Yeah, that Tom Cruise! The man, the myth, the… well, let’s just say eternal action star. You can scope out how he’s been defying the years with some intriguing stats about Tom Cruise ‘s age. In the end, though, Bruce got the gig and Cruise continued cruisin’ through his own action-packed adventures.

Chris Tucker’s Hair Raising Experience

Talk about a style that’s out there! Chris Tucker’s character, Ruby Rhod, not only had us in stitches with his eccentric antics but also turned heads with his over-the-top coif. It wasn’t just for show, folks. Tucker reportedly had to endure hours of hair and makeup before he could step on set and dazzle us with his high-pitched banter. Talk about dedication to the craft!

The Technicolor Dreamcoat Approach

Luc Besson, the mastermind director, must’ve said, “go big or go home,” because the costumes were out of this world—literally! The outfits sported by The cast Of The Fifth element were designed by none other than fashion visionary Jean-Paul Gaultier. These were no run-of-the-mill spacesuits; they were wearable art pieces full of metallics, neons, and enough eccentricity to rival a runway in outer space.

Shhh, It’s a Secret Language

Here’s a little secret that’ll make you lean in: Leeloo’s alien lingo wasn’t just gibberish. Nope, it was a fully crafted language developed by director Luc Besson. Milla Jovovich had to study the out-of-this-world syllables and phrases, memorizing not just lines, but an entire alien vocabulary. You could say she earned her linguistics degree from the University of ‘Save-the-World.’

When Reality Imitates Art

Lastly, get this: the universe has a funny way of playing tricks on you. The Fifth Element’ was released exactly 222 years to the day after the first opera performance in the United States. Does life imitate art, or does art imitate life? Either way, with a cast as colorful as The Fifth element cast, it’s clear that this cult classic was destined to be legendary, from start to finish.

There you have it, folks—some tantalizing trivia and nifty nuggets about the gang that brought us to our feet, cheering for the triumph of love and a big ol’ mess of colorful, cosmic craziness. Now go on, grab your multi-pass, and rewatch ‘The Fifth Element.’ You know you want to. After all, it’s not just a movie—it’s a piece of history!