TL;DR
Prince was the original choice to play Ruby Rhod in The Fifth Element but turned down the role due to costume design and scheduling issues. Chris Tucker ultimately played the part. This revelation offers insight into the film’s casting history.
Luc Besson confirmed that Prince was the original choice to portray Ruby Rhod in The Fifth Element, but he declined due to costume concerns and scheduling conflicts, leading to Chris Tucker’s casting.
In a recent interview, director Luc Besson disclosed that Prince was initially considered for the flamboyant role of Ruby Rhod in his 1997 sci-fi film The Fifth Element. Besson stated that he met with Prince, who agreed to participate, but ultimately declined due to disapproval of Jean Paul Gaultier’s costume designs, which he found ‘too effeminate.’
Prince also faced scheduling conflicts with his 1996 tour in Japan, which prevented him from committing to the film. Besson explained that the role was written specifically with Prince in mind, and he had been in discussions with him during the film’s early development stages. According to Besson, the two finalists for the role were Prince and Jamie Foxx, with Chris Tucker ultimately cast because he was perceived as funnier and more fitting for the character’s energy.
Why It Matters
This revelation underscores how close the film came to featuring a very different star in a key role. Prince’s unique persona and style might have significantly altered the film’s tone and visual aesthetic, which was already avant-garde and gender nonconforming. The story highlights the influence of casting decisions on iconic movies and how scheduling and creative differences can shape cinematic history.
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Background
The Fifth Element, directed by Luc Besson, is celebrated for its bold visual style and eccentric characters. Prior to casting Chris Tucker, there were multiple considerations for the role of Ruby Rhod, including high-profile actors like Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts. Prince’s involvement was part of a broader pattern in the 1990s when he was approached for various film projects, but scheduling conflicts and creative disagreements often prevented his participation. The film’s costumes, designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, played a significant role in the film’s distinctive look, which Prince reportedly found ‘too effeminate.’
“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. He thought he heard, ‘F*** you, f*** you!’ when I said ‘faux cul’ in my broken English. He was surprised and amused but decided to decline.”
— Jean Paul Gaultier
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear how different the film might have been with Prince in the role or how Prince himself felt about the project beyond his costume concerns. Further details about the conversations or Prince’s own opinions are not publicly available.
iconic film character costumes Ruby Rhod
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What’s Next
There are no upcoming developments as the casting decision was made over two decades ago. The focus now is on the film’s legacy and the stories behind its production history.
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Key Questions
Why did Prince decline to play Ruby Rhod?
Prince declined due to disapproval of Jean Paul Gaultier’s costume designs, which he found ‘too effeminate,’ and scheduling conflicts with his 1996 tour in Japan.
Could Prince have changed the tone of The Fifth Element?
Possibly. Prince’s unique persona might have brought a different energy and style to the character and the film’s overall aesthetic, but this remains speculative.
Who ultimately played Ruby Rhod in the film?
Chris Tucker played the role, delivering a performance that became iconic and widely praised for its humor and charisma.
Are there any visual or costume sketches of what Prince would have worn?
Yes, Jean Paul Gaultier shared sketches of the costume, which Prince reportedly found too effeminate. These sketches have been displayed in exhibitions and shared online.
