Unless you’ve avoided all news sources over the weekend (and with the Presidential Election looming, I don’t blame you), you probably heard that legendary actor Sean Connery passed away at the age of 90. Of course, whenever a major star passes away, the tributes (and the terrible interviews) come pouring in. And in the case of one of the filmmakers that worked with Connery, there’s a story that might show just how powerful the former James Bond actor was at one point.
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Writing a tribute for THR, filmmaker Michael Bay shared his fondness and memories working with Connery during the filming of 1996’s “The Rock.” The film featured Connery and Nicolas Cage attempting to break into Alcatraz prison to stop bad guys. As far as Bay films go, it’s one of the best and you can’t help but enjoy the attitude that Connery brought to the role.
But according to Bay, it wasn’t just his acting and charisma that Connery lent to “The Rock.” In one particular story, the filmmaker explained that Connery was a huge help in making sure Disney gave Bay the money he needed to finish the film.
READ MORE: Legendary Actor Sean Connery Has Passed Away At Age 90
Here’s the story, per Michael Bay:
“‘The Rock.’ Car chase: Sean driving and I’m alone filming him. He slams the brakes; my head hits the window. He says, ‘You OK?’ I say, ‘No, the Disney folks are here to kick my butt for being two days over schedule.’ Sean, with that sly look, says, ‘You want me to help?’ Cut to: Having lunch with the Disney execs in a third-grade classroom, sitting at tiny tables and chairs. We looked like giants. I announce that Mr. Connery would like to visit and say hi. Sean comes in, sits down across from the open-mouthed executives.
“In classic Sean Connery style, he belts out in his Scottish brogue: ‘This boy is doing a good job, and you’re living in your Disney Fucking Ivory Tower and we need more fucking money!!’ Without missing a beat, they responded. ‘OK. How much?’”
Yes, we’re talking about a film industry that might have been very different in 1996 when Disney was working on “The Rock.” Now, the company clearly doesn’t have issues with spending money, but Disney also has the power that maybe even Sean Connery wouldn’t have been able to sway. That being said, it’s clear that mid-‘90s Connery was someone with some serious Hollywood clout.
Bay ended his tribute and said, “He did it because he loved movies. He loved excellence and doing the best he could. His work ethic was bar none, the best I’ve ever experienced.”