TL;DR
Prince was the original choice to play Ruby Rhod in The Fifth Element but turned down the role. Luc Besson confirmed this in a Reddit AMA, citing costume issues and scheduling conflicts. The role was ultimately played by Chris Tucker.
Luc Besson confirmed in a Reddit AMA that Prince was the original choice to play Ruby Rhod in The Fifth Element but declined the role due to costume concerns and scheduling conflicts.
According to Besson, Prince had agreed to star as Ruby Rhod during the development of The Fifth Element, which was released in 1997. Besson stated that Prince found Jean Paul Gaultier’s costume designs ‘too effeminate,’ which contributed to his decision to decline. Prince also had scheduling conflicts due to his 1996 tour in Japan, making it impossible for him to participate.
Luc Besson mentioned that the role was initially written with Prince in mind, and he had met with the singer, who had expressed interest. Besson noted that the final casting included Chris Tucker and Jamie Foxx, with Tucker ultimately chosen for his comedic timing and appearance. Besson reflected that having the choice between three talented actors was a luxury, but Prince’s absence left the role to Tucker.
Why It Matters
This revelation highlights how close The Fifth Element came to featuring Prince, whose unique persona might have significantly altered the film’s tone and visual style. It also underscores the influence of costume design and scheduling on casting decisions. For fans and film historians, it offers insight into the creative process behind this iconic sci-fi film and the potential alternate history of its casting.
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Background
Prince was considered for several high-profile roles in the 1990s, but scheduling conflicts often prevented his participation. The Fifth Element, directed by Luc Besson, was a highly stylized film known for its avant-garde costumes by Jean Paul Gaultier, which Prince reportedly found too effeminate. The role of Ruby Rhod, a flamboyant and eccentric character, was ultimately played by Chris Tucker, whose performance became iconic. Gaultier’s sketches and stories about his interactions with Prince have circulated publicly, revealing the singer’s initial interest and reasons for declining.
“It was written for Prince. I met him, he said yes. But then he went on a world tour for 10 years!! We couldn’t find time in his schedule. Then I started casting and the two finalists were Chris Tucker and Jamie Foxx.”
— Luc Besson
“Prince found the costumes a bit too effeminate… and he thought he heard, ‘Fuck you, fuck you!’ when I was saying ‘faux cul, faux cul’.”
— Jean Paul Gaultier
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear how the film might have differed with Prince in the role of Ruby Rhod, or whether his involvement would have altered the film’s reception or style significantly. Details about Prince’s thoughts on the final film are also unknown, as he declined to comment publicly.
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What’s Next
There are no current plans related to this story. Future revelations could emerge from interviews, memoirs, or commentary from Besson, Gaultier, or other involved parties regarding the alternate casting scenario.
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Key Questions
Why did Prince decline the role of Ruby Rhod?
According to Luc Besson and Jean Paul Gaultier, Prince declined due to costume concerns—finding the designs ‘too effeminate’—and scheduling conflicts related to his 1996 tour.
How close was Prince to actually appearing in the film?
Prince was very close; Besson confirmed he had agreed to the role and was involved in early discussions, but ultimately could not participate due to conflicts and costume issues.
Would the film have been different with Prince as Ruby Rhod?
It’s speculative, but Prince’s unique persona and style likely would have given the character a different energy and possibly influenced the film’s overall tone.
Has Prince spoken publicly about this story?
No, Prince did not publicly comment on this specific development. Most information comes from Besson and Gaultier’s accounts.
