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Back in 1993, Robert Patrick, who had become a household name playing the menacing T-1000 in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” ventured into a different realm of science fiction with “Fire in the Sky.” This chilling film, based on true events, recounts the mysterious 1975 disappearance of logger Travis Walton, portrayed by D.B. Sweeney, from the Apache–Sitgreaves National Forests in Arizona. Patrick steps into the role of Mike Rogers, Walton’s future brother-in-law, who, along with his crew, returns to town in a state of panic, claiming Travis was taken by a brilliant light from the sky. Their story, dismissed as foul play by townsfolk, gains credibility when Travis reappears, disoriented and unclothed, with a tale that aligns with their account.
Paramount Pictures
“Fire in the Sky” distinguishes itself from typical thrillers with its subtle tension and focus on the pervasive paranoia enveloping the small town. Despite the film’s gripping abduction scenes, it is the underlying dread and suspicion that captivate the audience. The eerie atmosphere is intensified by its purported basis in reality, a claim that director Robert Lieberman approached with skepticism. In an interview with The Companion, Lieberman expressed doubts about the story’s authenticity, suggesting it may have started as a prank among friends, possibly fueled by substances, which spiraled into a shared delusion. “My gut feeling had it that Travis was so much smarter than those other guys,” Lieberman noted, hinting at a possible orchestrated hoax.
For those familiar with Robert Patrick solely from “Terminator 2” or his role as Hawkins in “The Night Agent,” his performance in “Fire in the Sky” showcases his versatility as an actor. At the time, stepping into the shoes of Mike Rogers marked a significant departure for Patrick, a fact not lost on director Robert Lieberman. Initially hesitant to cast Patrick due to his previous unemotional portrayal of the T-1000, Lieberman recounted his change of heart to The Companion. “The door opens to the casting room and this guy comes in and he’s totally effusive! And I fell in love with the guy,” Lieberman recalled, illustrating Patrick’s unexpected depth and warmth.
Patrick himself has candidly discussed the challenges he faced after being typecast following “Terminator 2.” In his conversation with The Companion, he shared his struggle to find work, having turned down numerous roles similar to the T-1000. “I didn’t work for over a year,” he admitted, until “Fire in the Sky” offered a chance to redefine his career. Determined to distance himself from his iconic robotic image, Patrick underwent a transformation, growing his hair out and altering his physique to blend into the role. Adding to the authenticity, Patrick discovered a personal connection to Mike Rogers—they are distant cousins, a revelation that undoubtedly enriched his portrayal.
Robert Patrick went the extra mile for his Fire in the Sky audition
Paramount Pictures
If you only know Robert Patrick from “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” or as Hawkins in “The Night Agent,” then “Fire in the Sky” proves the actor’s true range. The role of Mike Rogers was a departure for him at the time, so much so that Robert Lieberman wasn’t sure Patrick would be right for the part. The director was skeptical when the casting team brought Patrick up, largely because he had seen him at the emotionless T-1000 and wasn’t convinced he had the chops. “They went, ‘I think he does, you should see him.’ I went, ‘Alright, I’ll see him.’ The door opens to the casting room and this guy comes in and he’s totally effusive! And I fell in love with the guy,” Lieberman told The Companion.
Patrick spoke to the same publication about making the movie, revealing that he found it hard to get work after playing the T-1000 because he’d been typecast as a robotic killer type. He didn’t work for over a year as he continually turned down roles of that nature, waiting for something different to present itself. When the “Fire in the Sky” audition came along, Patrick pulled out all the stops. “I decided to grow my hair long and gain weight and just really hide from the physical recognition of that [‘Terminator’] character,” he said. “It was a very emotional audition.” He had one more thing going in his favor — as he circled the role, Patrick discovered that he and Mike Rogers are actually distant cousins! It’s no wonder he’s so convincing in the role.
