Share and Follow
The combination of Jason Momoa and Sylvester Stallone on the big screen brings a formidable dose of machismo that few can rival. Their collaboration has been limited to a single venture so far: the 2012 action-packed film “Bullet to the Head.” This cinematic piece, inspired by the French graphic novel “Du plomb dans la tête” by Matz and Colin Wilson, was helmed by director Walter Hill, known for his work on classics such as “The Driver,” “The Warriors,” “Streets of Fire,” “48 Hrs.,” and “Red Heat.”
Warner Bros. Pictures
In “Bullet to the Head,” Stallone takes on the role of hitman Jimmy Bobo, who partners with Detective Taylor Kwon, played by Sung Kang, after they are targeted by corrupt entrepreneur Robert Nkomo Morel, portrayed by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, and his enforcer, Keegan, played by Momoa. This unlikely duo must join forces to dismantle Morel and Keegan’s operation before they become casualties themselves. With Stallone’s reputation as an iconic action star, the film is filled with explosive action, muscle-bound characters, and a plot rife with unexpected twists.
Despite the powerhouse trio of Stallone, Momoa, and Hill leading “Bullet to the Head,” the film did not strike a chord with critics or audiences. Surprisingly, critics rated it slightly higher than viewers, with a 44% “rotten” score on Rotten Tomatoes compared to the audience’s 39%. It seems the film’s reception was the true “bullet to the head.”
Stallone’s involvement in “Bullet to the Head” extended beyond acting, as he had a significant influence on the film’s creative direction. This led to a change in directors after Stallone clashed with Wayne Kramer over the movie’s tone. Kramer exited the project, and Stallone brought in Walter Hill to take the helm.
Furthermore, Stallone made adjustments to his character from the original graphic novel. In an interview with Shortlist, he expressed his appreciation for the story by Matz and Colin Wilson but acknowledged making two key changes. “In the novel, my character was a bit more sadistic and crazy, without redeeming qualities,” Stallone explained. “So, I altered that and got rid of the goatee because he looked too much like Barney from ‘The Expendables.’ But the idea of a cop becoming as ruthless as an assassin intrigued me.”
Sylvester Stallone made a special change to his character in Bullet to the Head
Warner Bros. Pictures
Much like Sylvester Stallone’s involvement in his other films, the superstar had a say in the creative direction of “Bullet to the Head.” That resulted in a change of directors after Stallone butted heads with Wayne Kramer over how dark the movie would be. Kramer departed the project, with Stallone enlisting the services of Walter Hill.
Stallone also decided to tweak his character from the original graphic novel. Speaking to Shortlist, the actor admitted he liked the story written by Matz and drawn by Colin Wilson but made two specific changes. “[I]n the novel my character was a little more sadistic and crazy, with no redeeming qualities,” Stallone said. “So I changed that and I cut the goatee off because he looked exactly like Barney from ‘The Expendables.’ But I thought it was interesting, you know — a cop who becomes as bad as an assassin.”
So if you’re a fan of “Du plomb dans la tête” and didn’t like the changes made to the film adaptation’s character, blame it on Barney Ross. Fortunately, the film adaptation of Matz’s other notable graphic novel, “The Killer,” turned out much better all round and hit the mark. Looper’s review of “The Killer” called it “the perfect crime.”
