Revisiting Pierce Brosnan’s Forgotten Action Flick "Live Wire"
The 1990s was truly the golden age of action movies, with names like Jean-Claude Van Damme and Steven Seagal lending their iconic styles to the screen. These tough-guy heroes drove films to massive success across various studios. New Line Cinema, mirroring other studios, eagerly sought to establish its own action star. Enter Pierce Brosnan, who could have been the studio’s shining action hero, but fate had other plans with "Live Wire."
Brosnan’s Struggle to Establish Himself as an Action Star
Pierce Brosnan was in a peculiar place in the early ’90s. His immensely successful television series "Remington Steele" had put him on the map. However, his winning bid for the role of James Bond in "The Living Daylights" that he was supposed to star in was interrupted when NBC revived "Remington Steele." This move backfired, and despite Albert R. Broccoli’s stern warning, NBC went ahead. The network axed the show after just seven episodes, leaving Brosnan’s career in limbo.
"Live Wire": Brosnan’s Forgotten 90s Action Attempt
New Line Cinema saw an opportunity to break Brosnan out of this rut by casting him in "Live Wire." Described as a low-budget action flick, the movie featured a wisecracking cop bomb disposal expert, Danny O’Neill, played by Brosnan. The plot revolves around an invisible explosive that turns people into "living bombs." Though the premise is absurd, the film features some visually gory set pieces directed by Christian Duguay, a veteran thriller filmmaker.
Brosnan’s Starring Role
Despite his elegant reputation from "Remington Steele," Brosnan played Danny O’Neill, far removed from his 007 character later to be known. RufusBuildingsBoom he handles the character with considerable conviction, embracing the John McClane-like action hero role. The final action-packed sequence is particularly notable, showcasing Brosnan’s ability to wield improvised weapons with style.
New Line’s Mis шаen
However, New Line Cinema’s decision to distribute "Live Wire" on cable TV instead of theaters was a missed opportunity. Despite "Live Wire" being just a B-level action flick, it is fascinating to see Brosnan in the role without expectations. Given Brosnan’s later success, the studio should have capitalized on his growing fame to reintroduce action movies, but instead, they let this gem fade into obscurity.
Rediscovered Obscure Gem
Ironically, "Live Wire" was re-released several times, though it remains relatively obscure today. Given Brosnan’s subsequent fame and success, it’s a intriguing bit of film history to rediscover. The film is a hidden gem residing in digital retailers, now available in HD, proving that even hidden treasures can shine with a little search online.
The Multifaceted Career of Pierce Brosnan
Brosnan’s acting career continued to evolve despite the initial setbacks. After "Live Wire," he found himself ingrained in family-friendly roles like "Mrs. Doubtfire." The success of "Mrs. Doubtfire" opened doors for Brosnan, ultimately leading him back to his dream role—to play James Bond in "Golden Eye."
Call to Action
Have you ever watched "Live Wire"? Share your thoughts and nostalgia in the comments below. Don’t forget to check out other hidden gems in the archives of classic action movies and see if you can find any other forgotten treasures from the 90s.
