Unpacking the 1999 Steam-Powered Gamble
Barry Sonnenfeld's big-screen adaptation of the classic television series Wild Wild West stands as a fascinating artifact of late-90s Hollywood excess. Released in the summer of 1999 by Warner Bros., the film carried a staggering production budget of roughly $170 million. It relied heavily on star power, high-concept steampunk aesthetics, and rapid-fire banter to capture box-office gold.
Yet, the project's true engine wasn't just its massive mechanical tarantula or period-bending gadgets; it was a mismatched ensemble cast thrust into an increasingly chaotic production. Examining the key players reveals how a powerhouse roster of actors navigated a troubled shoot, clashing creative visions, and studio overcorrection.
Will Smith as Captain James West
Will Smith entered this production at the absolute zenith of his 90s box-office dominance. Fresh off massive multi-quadrant hits like Independence Day and Men in Black, Smith was the definitive blueprint for the modern summer blockbuster anchor.
As U.S. Army Captain James West, Smith brought his signature blend of physical agility, rhythmic comedic delivery, and effortless charm. He functioned as the kinetic focal point of the narrative. Whenever the steampunk contraptions threatened to swallow the scene whole, Smith's screen presence grounded the absurdity.
The Chemistry Equation
A major part of West's narrative arc relied on his professional friction with his partner. Smith's improvisational style worked brilliantly opposite Tommy Lee Jones in Men in Black, establishing a template of dry, world-weary frustration meeting energetic wisecracks. In this film, however, that dynamic shifted due to casting changes.
- The Original Vision: Early development paired Mel Gibson with director Richard Donner before creative differences cleared the slate.
- The George Clooney Era: George Clooney was initially cast as Artemus Gordon before departing over tonal disagreements with the production.
- The Final Dynamic: Smith had to instantly recalibrate his on-screen partnership when Kevin Kline stepped into the role shortly before filming began.
Kevin Kline in a Dual Role
Securing an actor of Kevin Kline's caliber added immediate theatrical weight to the proceedings. Kline took on the immense challenge of playing two distinct characters: U.S. Marshal Artemus Gordon and President Ulysses S. Grant.
As Gordon, Kline was cast as the intellectual, gadget-obsessed counterpart to Smith's trigger-happy action hero. Gordon's dedication to elaborate disguises and clockwork inventions provided the primary narrative justification for the film's retro-futuristic technology.
- Comedic Contrast: Kline played Gordon as an eccentric tinkerer who preferred intellect over brute force. This created a classic buddy-duo friction with Smith.
- Presidential Satire: As President Grant, Kline adopted a gruff, exasperated demeanor, reacting to the bizarre emergencies manufactured by the primary antagonists with weary resignation.
Kenneth Branagh as Dr. Arliss Loveless
British classical actor Kenneth Branagh delivered one of the most eccentric villainous turns of the decade as Dr. Arliss Loveless. Unlike the original television series—where the character was played by a diminutive actor—this version reimagined Loveless as a wheelchair-bound, wheelchair-accessible, vengeful former Confederate officer with a profound hatred for the Union.
Branagh committed entirely to the absurdity of the role. Arriving at early read-throughs with a shaved head and a razor-sharp Southern drawl, he reportedly fooled studio executives into wondering if they had hired an authentic regional actor.
- The Theatricality: Branagh injected Shakespearean grandiosity into lines that could have easily fallen flat, treating steampunk monologues with deadly earnestness.
- Physical Constraints: Confined to a steam-powered wheelchair and mechanical apparatuses, Branagh relied purely on vocal cadence and micro-expressions to project menace.
Salma Hayek and the Supporting Ensemble
Salma Hayek rounded out the core quartet as Rita Escobar, a desperate woman seeking her kidnapped father. While the script frequently relegated her to a damsel-in-distress archetype, Hayek injected sharp comedic timing and agency into her scenes, subverting the traditional helpless heroine trope during key exposition beats.
The supporting cast featured recognizable character actors and genre staples who fleshed out the sprawling canvas:
- Ted Levine: Portrayed the scarred, menacing General "Bloodbath" McGrath, serving as Loveless's primary muscle before a brutal betrayal.
- M. Emmet Walsh: Played Coleman, the grizzled railway engineer operating the legendary federal transport train.
- The Bodyguards: A distinct faction of Loveless's inner circle featured genre icons and models, including Bai Ling as Miss East, Musetta Vander as Munitia, and Frederique van der Wal as Amazonia.
Production Friction and Behind-the-Scenes Realities
The film's ultimate reception at the box office was heavily influenced by behind-the-scenes friction. Producer Jon Peters famously pushed for scale and spectacle over historical or narrative cohesion. Insiders noted that creative meetings frequently pivoted toward bombastic set pieces—such as the giant mechanical spider—long before the script ironed out tone or character motivation.
When early test screenings generated anxiety among studio executives, Warner Bros. ordered extensive reshoots and re-cuts. Characters were trimmed, sequences were altered, and tonal shifts left the final edit feeling disjointed. Despite these hurdles, the sheer level of talent involved ensured that the film remains a striking, highly visible time capsule of 90s studio blockbusters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did George Clooney actually star in the 1999 movie?
No. George Clooney was originally cast to play Artemus Gordon alongside Will Smith. However, creative differences between Clooney and the production team led to his departure before filming commenced. Kevin Kline was brought in as a late replacement.
How does the 1999 film differ from the original TV show?
The 1960s television series featured Robert Conrad and Ross Martin as grounded, sharp-witted secret service agents tackling relatively contained mystery plots. The 1999 film amplified the scale into a massive $170 million steampunk spectacle, transforming Dr. Loveless from a traditional dwarf mastermind into a wheelchair-bound former Confederate engineer utilizing giant mechanical creations.
Why did Kevin Kline play two roles in the film?
Director Barry Sonnenfeld and the casting team utilized Kevin Kline in a dual capacity as both Artemus Gordon and President Ulysses S. Grant to maximize comedic juxtaposition and streamline the political framing of the storyline.
Was the movie a box office success?
No. Against a reported production budget of $170 million and significant marketing expenditures, the film grossed roughly $222 million worldwide during its theatrical run, failing to turn a profit for Warner Bros.
