Tricky in The Fifth Element

Yes, yes, Tricky is in Luc Besson's dotty science-fiction comedy, shape-shifting uncontrollably as he tries to sneak past intergalactic passport control. But the most interesting musician/actor associated with The Fifth Element is one who doesn't even appear in it. Besson wrote the part of Ruby Rhod, the squealing sidekick to Bruce Willis's macho cab driver, for none other than Prince. Director and actor even got as far as meeting to discuss the role, and the rest -- despite the gleeful sauciness of Prince's replacement, Chris Tucker -- is a great big "What If?"

http://www.newstatesman.c...ting-stage

I think Prince would have been a "bigger" movie star if he took the some or all of the roles that were handed to him.. He's too self absorbed to take any direction from someone else.

This would have been perfect. A couple of well chosen cameo roles in unexpected movies, for instance playing some weird character in a Tarantino movie, would have been a wiser and a much better idea than some half baked Paisley Park movies financed by WB which turned out to be fiasco and contributed nothing to his reputation as a director or actor.

The closest I remember reading Prince being to this was that Chris Tucker based his character on the flamboyance of people like Prince, Little Richard, etc.

Never heard that Prince met for the role, so would be very interested to see sources on this, otherwise I'd call B.S.

I remember hearing years ago that he was offered the part of Hendrix in a bio pic.

Is this true.....anyone?

Can't remember where i heard it.

Makes sense to me. I always thought the character was very Prince-like. Having said that, I also think that Chris Tucker is more likely funnier than Prince since he's a comedian & all & made the part all the much better. That's not to say that it wouldn't have been cool to see Prince on the big screen again, oh quite the opposite... I would much rather have it been Prince but that doesn't mean he would've done a better job. There's no real way of knowing but I still like that movie. Luc Besson is awesome!

Luc Besson is a fan and wrote the Ruby role for Prince. When he declined, Chris Tucker was brought in a told "Act like Prince."

I have no sites to quote or whatever, but I heard this before the movie came out back in 97.

Yet another example of P missing out on an opportunity to introduce himself to the younger generation.

Yeah and then everyone would've dogged him for selling out and playing such a cheesy, flamey part.

I'm glad he's focused on music and not trying to be an actor, that's not what he was put on this earth to do. I think the only thing he should do on film is perform as Prince.

God- do you lot see Prince as that femme?

I heard about this from my dad & i'm kind of torn. On one hand, fifth element is one of my favourite films ever & to have prince in it would have been great, but it could have been disasterous if he played the character as camp as chris tucker did. On the other hand though, chris tucker did a great job & i don't think Prince would have made the character anywhere near as funny as chris did. & can you imagine prince in the leopard print catsuit? Yikes!

I love the idea of prince being in a quentin tarentino film, he could have been a great addition to the deadly viper assasin squad in kill bill, or the front man of the vampire band in from dusk till dawn.

Yes, I heard about this back around the time the movie was originally released.

I remember hearing about him bing offered movie roles too a little before and after Purple Rain. Like the Little Richard bio flick he declined.

Yup, his focus was on music and that's good he didn't do flimsy movie roles, but hey? What's out of character for Prince??

On the other hand, I do agree with StonedImmaculate about introducing himself to a younger generation. Smart idea. We see how that kinda bombed when he tried the rap thing. But some of them were cool like "18 & Over" and "Lovesign" (I know, off subject)

But like Johnny Depp does, he could've just only accepted roles that he likes and fits him as person (Depp is a gemini too)

thank goodness he turned it down. It just wouldnt be as good with Prince in that role. Chris Tucker was GREAT!! I watch that movie everytime it is on tv and Chris Tucker is why. CLASSIC!!

ecstasy said:

But like Johnny Depp does, he could've just only accepted roles that he likes and fits him as person (Depp is a gemini too)

Yes, but Depp is actually a talented actor...

I don't think they would have been good roles. Do you see how much more credibility Gene Simmons, Mick Jagger, Rick Springfield and Mariah Carrey have gotten from their acting roles?

Sure there are some successes (Cher, etc.), but for the most part, rock stars are successful when they play themselves (Prince was basically playing Prince in Purple Rain). I don't think Prince is a very good actor and I don't think he is the type to take direction very well... for that, you can ask Kevin Smith. His stories of trying to reign in Prince are hysterical!

HAHAHH holy shit

I thought it was obvious that the character was based on some nightmare version of Prince back when this movie came out. But this news has been discussed here before!

Yes... what if? I don't think Prince could have belittled himself in that screaming way. It would have been different.

I think this movie looks great, but the script is... no good.

I suspect the personal issues in his life at the time were the most important factor in Prince not doing this.

dandeeland said:

thank goodness he turned it down. It just wouldnt be as good with Prince in that role. Chris Tucker was GREAT!! I watch that movie everytime it is on tv and Chris Tucker is why. CLASSIC!!

Totally. I remember seeing this at the cinema and we were going to walk out, then Chris Tucker came on screen and stole the show.

I never heard that rumor. That's one of my favorite movies but I don't see Prince in that role at ALL.

Chris Tucker was awesome in it tho.

Maybe Sisqo, but Prince?

NDRU said:

Maybe Sisqo, but Prince?

It was like a stereotype cartoon of Prince. Act femme but be girl crazy, with Little Richard vocal-bratics. Prince did have a cane at the time.

jcurley said:

God- do you lot see Prince as that femme?

Exactly!!!

Wow. Interesting.

MikeyB71 said:

I remember hearing years ago that he was offered the part of Hendrix in a bio pic.

Is this true.....anyone?

Can't remember where i heard it.

I remember hearing about that, and also he was considered for the role of blues legend Robert Johnson.

NouveauDance said:

The closest I remember reading Prince being to this was that Chris Tucker based his character on the flamboyance of people like Prince, Little Richard, etc.

Never heard that Prince met for the role, so would be very interested to see sources on this, otherwise I'd call B.S.

Somewhere out there i saw a book on the designs for the movie. One of them was outfits for the Ruby character and Prince was drawn into them and it hand handwritten notes indicating Prince in the role.

Doesn't surprise me...

I always thought Ruby Rhod was written with Prince in mind (or a parody of him)

Same with the Diva, Plava Laguna, I always thought her role was written with Grace Jones in mind to play the part.