Clint Eastwood, a true Hollywood icon, has a remarkable career spanning nearly seven decades. He’s been a prominent figure both as an actor in classics like the Dollars trilogy and Dirty Harry, and as a director of acclaimed films such as Letters From Iwo Jima (2006) and American Sniper (2014). His work often combines acting and directing, with titles like Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby (2004), and Gran Torino (2008) being notable examples. Even at 91, he took on both roles for Cry Macho in 2021. But it was The Mule (2018) that stands out as a significant instance of his dual role capabilities.
Eastwood’s Initial Reaction to The Mule Script
The Mule, written by Nick Schenk and Sam Dolnick and inspired by a true story, had Eastwood starring as Earl Stone, a Korean War Veteran turned drug mule for a Mexican cartel. The film was a box office hit, grossing $174.8 million worldwide on a $50 million budget. During an interview to promote his new film, Juror #2, Eastwood recalled his initial thoughts on The Mule. He said he liked the script but initially only planned to direct it. It was only after being urged by someone in his office that he considered taking on the lead role of Earl. He recounted, “When I did […] ‘The Mule,’ I liked the script, but I had no idea of starring in it. I thought, ‘That’s just something I’ll direct.’ My gal in the office said, ‘You’ve got to play it.’ I said, ‘You’re kidding.’ I just thought it was a good script and an interesting project. Sometimes you have to listen to what’s going on around you. Good idea. Why not?”
The Impact of Eastwood’s Starring Role on The Mule
The Mule currently holds a 70% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 66% audience score. Despite Eastwood’s initial hesitation to star in it, his presence likely drove the film’s success. In the realm of cinema, there aren’t many actors in their 80s or 90s who can still draw audiences to theaters. It’s hard to imagine The Mule being made without Eastwood in the lead role. Over his long and successful career, he’s amassed a passionate following, and at the time of The Mule’s release, he was especially appealing to older audiences. His starring role not only brought in viewers but also added a certain authenticity and charm to the character of Earl Stone, making The Mule a memorable and successful film in his extensive filmography.
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