Glenn Close's Bearded Pirate Role in Steven Spielberg's 'Hook': A Behind-the-Scenes Look
The making of 'Hook' was a challenging journey for Steven Spielberg, with the director expressing his dissatisfaction with the film on multiple occasions. Despite its commercial success, grossing $300 million worldwide, Spielberg has never fully embraced the movie. During an interview, he admitted, 'I still don't like that movie. I'm hoping someday I'll see it again and perhaps like some of it.'
However, the film's cast and crew had a different experience. Stars Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman reportedly had a blast on set, and Glenn Close's involvement added an unexpected twist. Close was cast as a bearded pirate, a role that required her to disguise herself with a beard and chest hair. This stealthy cameo was so convincing that even the crew was fooled, with the script girl attempting to hit on her!
Close's character, a pirate named after Hook's arch-nemesis, meets a tragic end in the film. Despite her efforts, she is betrayed and ultimately punished by Hook, who finds her 'boo-boo' and orchestrates a cruel fate. In an interview, Close revealed that accepting this role was a simple decision, saying, 'Spielberg said, 'Do you want to be a pirate?' I said, 'Sure.''
The 'Hook' cameo cast was extensive, featuring a range of familiar faces. Phil Collins played an inspector, David Crosby portrayed a pirate with a sensitive spot, and Jimmy Buffett, a producer's friend, added a touch of humor as a shoe-stealing pirate. Tony Burton, a 'Rocky' franchise icon, also joined the crew, and behind-the-scenes, Carrie Fisher and George Lucas made a brief appearance as a pixie-dust-covered couple.
Despite the film's overall success, Spielberg's personal dissatisfaction and the chaotic nature of the production suggest that 'Hook' could have been a masterpiece. John Williams' score and the first act's solid foundation hinted at something special, but the journey to Neverland took an unexpected turn. This behind-the-scenes look highlights the intriguing blend of talent and challenges that went into creating this fantasy adventure.
