Bruce Willis, the acclaimed actor known for redefining action movies, recently shared a revealing look at his cinematic dreams, listing the classic films he wishes he could have starred in. Speaking candidly about his inspirations, Willis highlighted titles like “Spartacus,” the Alfred Hitchcock filmography, “The Exorcist,” several Steve McQueen and Humphrey Bogart classics, “The Searchers,” and even the globally loved “Star Wars” series. Willis, who retired in 2022 after a career marked by remarkable variety and enduring popularity, gave fans this rare insight during an interview when asked which legendary movies he envied most as an actor.
While audiences often associate Bruce Willis with explosive roles in action staples, his career in Hollywood has been exceptionally diverse. He has successfully navigated genres, starring in comedies such as the “Look Who’s Talking” series, leading ambitious science fiction titles like “12 Monkeys” and “The Fifth Element,” and working with visionary directors like Quentin Tarantino and Wes Anderson. Yet, despite earning achievements that many actors only dream of, Bruce Willis has always harbored professional admiration for certain hallmarks of cinema history.
When a fan asked which roles he would have most liked to play, Bruce Willis delivered an impressive list, saying,
“Spartacus is a good one. Any Alfred Hitchcock film, except perhaps Rope. The Exorcist. Any Steve McQueen movie. I would have liked to work with [Humphrey] Bogart, especially in The Maltese Falcon or The Big Sleep. I would have liked to be in The Searchers. The Star Wars series. This is a list that could go on for quite a while, and these are just a few.”
“Spartacus,” directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1960, stands out as one of Willis’ favorite films. The movie, featuring Kirk Douglas in the iconic lead, remains a towering example of epic storytelling. Although Bruce Willis never worked directly with Douglas, the connection feels personal because of his collaborations with Catherine Zeta-Jones, who is part of the Douglas family through marriage. Willis’ admiration for other actors—like Steve McQueen and Humphrey Bogart—shows his deep respect for a particular era of cinema and its strong, enigmatic leading men. Over the decades, Bruce Willis himself became a modern embodiment of this archetype, though he brought a new approach that matched contemporary audiences.
The actors and films Bruce Willis cites reveal a yearning to join Hollywood’s legendary ranks. The early days of cinema, shaped by influential figures like McQueen, Bogart, and Douglas, clearly inspired Willis, guiding the way he approached his craft. Though society and movies have changed since those classic eras, Willis’ own fame suggests he carried the torch for a fresh generation, even as he sometimes wished to step into those historical roles.
Continuing with his list, Willis mentioned “The Searchers,” a beloved western starring John Wayne. While Bruce Willis has dabbled in western roles, such as in “Last Man Standing,” a 1996 remake of “Yojimbo,” and playing silent film star Tom Mix in “Sunset,” he never fully immersed himself in the cowboy genre. Despite earning pop culture fame with his catchphrase “yippee-ki-yay,” the actor did not often seek out gunslinging roles. This contrast between his known film persona and his private cinematic wishes adds depth to Bruce Willis’ public image, suggesting that his artistic dreams extended far beyond what fans saw on screen.
Willis also brings up a more subtle connection with Hitchcock. In “12 Monkeys,” Bruce Willis’ character is seen watching “Vertigo,” a celebrated Hitchcock classic starring James Stewart. While Willis excluded “Rope” from his dream list, he never explained his reasoning, perhaps out of reverence. Despite not sharing scenes with stars like Stewart or appearing in a Hitchcock film, Bruce Willis’ fascination with these works is evident and speaks to his respect for film history.
The actor’s openness about his ideal roles underscores his love for cinema and the recognition he gives to its most pivotal works. As Bruce Willis steps away from acting, his reflections on these dream parts highlight both his humility and ambition. Though the opportunity to join the casts of these legendary films has passed, his own legacy remains secure, built on decades of performances that captivated moviegoers worldwide. For fans, hearing Bruce Willis’ list offers a moving reminder of both what inspired him and how thoroughly he inspired audiences in turn.
