Summary

• Mel Brooks was a producer on David Lynch's The Elephant, starring John Hurt. Brooks wisely remained uncredited in The Elephant Man to prevent confusion with his comedies.
• Hurt's iconic chest-bursting scene from Alien is humorously revisited in Spaceballs.
• Hurt collaborated with Brooks again for History of the World, and joked that he was underpaid.

Spaceballs has a unique connection to David Lynch through John Hurt. The 1987 spoof film has etched its place in the annals of comedic cinema and remains a quintessential parody, brilliantly mocking the sci-fi genre's titans, particularly the Star Wars saga. Directed by the legendary Mel Brooks, the movie is a humorous odyssey that follows the quest to save a galaxy from the oxygen-depleting plans of the nefarious Spaceballs. With its clever wit, the film not only lampoons the essence of space operas but also celebrates them, boasting a cast that includes Bill Pullman, John Candy, and Rick Moranis.

Among this lineup, John Hurt's cameo stands as a highlight, serving as a bridge between Spaceballs and another of Hurt's significant roles. Before his comedic turn in Spaceballs, John Hurt delivered a powerful performance in David Lynch's The Elephant Man, portraying Joseph Merrick, a man marginalized by society due to physical deformities. This role showcased Hurt's profound ability to evoke empathy and humanize a character living under extraordinary circumstances. The film, recognized for its sensitive and humane portrayal, highlighted Hurt's versatility and depth as an actor, qualities that would play a part in his casting in the Mel Brooks comedy.

John Hurt Was Cast In Spaceballs Because Mel Brooks Was A Producer On The Elephant Man

Brooks Remained Uncredited So Audiences Didn't Think The Elephant Man Was A Comedy

One of the most unforgettable moments in Spaceballs is the parody of John Hurt's iconic scene as Kane from Alien, where a creature horrifyingly bursts out of his chest. With Mel Brooks spoofing Alien in Spaceballs, the scene is revisited with a comedic twist — the creature once again emerges from Hurt's chest, leading to his comedic exclamation: “Oh no... not again!” The scene quickly escalates as the creature proceeds to sing and dance "Hello My Baby," with a straw hat and cane.

Mel Brooks, reflecting on this moment, shared his enthusiasm for bringing Hurt on board to reenact this scene, emphasizing the blend of horror and humor that made it exceptionally funny. The legendary director explained (via Literary Hub):

As a special treat, I got John Hurt to reprise his role from Alien in which a terrifying creature horrifically bursts out of his chest. We had our own version of the creature once more burst out of John’s chest and he got a great laugh when he said: “Oh no... not again!” But I couldn’t stop there, so I had the creature go on to sing and dance “Hello My Baby” complete with waving a straw hat and a cane!

Interestingly, Mel Brooks's connection to John Hurt extends beyond Spaceballs, as Brooks was a producer on The Elephant Man. However, he chose to remain uncredited to prevent audiences from mistaking the film for a comedy — though Brooksfilms, his production company, is in the opening credits. This decision underscores Brooks's versatile creative vision and his ability to navigate between the realms of comedy and drama seamlessly. The involvement of Hurt in both The Elephant Man and Spaceballs not only highlights the actor's range but also Brooks' adeptness in recognizing and utilizing the talents of his actors across different genres.

Hurt Jokingly Thought He Was Underpaid For His Role In Brooks' History Of The World

The Actor Said He Got "2,000 Dollars And A Nice Hotel"

John Hurt's collaboration with Mel Brooks wasn't limited to Spaceballs. Hurt also appeared in 1981's History of the World, Part I, another Brooks comedy that takes a whimsical look at various epochs in human history. Despite the brevity of his role, Hurt's performance as Jesus added a notable flair to the film. Reflecting on his compensation for the part, Hurt humorously remarked in an interview with The Talks about being underpaid, highlighting Brooks's persuasive charm in bringing him onto the project for a modest fee. Hurt revealed:

"He said, [with accent] 'C’mon over John, c’mon! We’ll put you in a nice hotel, give you a couple of grand.' You suddenly find that you’re involved in a scene which is worth millions and you’re getting 2,000 dollars and a nice hotel – that’s it! Very clever, Mel."

Despite the apparent disparity between the film's success and his remuneration, Hurt's comments conveyed no bitterness, suggesting a mutual respect and a strong rapport between him and Brooks. This illustrates the enduring nature of their friendship and professional relationship. Their collaboration on various projects speaks volumes about their mutual admiration and the joy they found in working together. John Hurt's contributions to Mel Brooks' films not only enriched the comedic tapestry of the movies but also showcased the actor's versatility and willingness to embrace humor, even when poking fun at his more serious roles in Spaceballs.

Sources: Literary Hub, The Talks