Actor Christopher Atkins has revealed that his struggles with alcohol in the 1980s led to him losing the lead role in the 1984 film "Footloose." Atkins, who starred opposite Brooke Shields in "The Blue Lagoon," made the comments during a recent appearance at Fanboy Expo Knoxville.
Atkins, 65, told the panel that filmmakers behind "Footloose" wanted to meet with him before making a final casting decision. However, he was unable to attend the meeting due to his drinking.
"I was a mess back then," Atkins was quoted as saying. "I was partying it up way too much, and they called me in. I said… 'I can't go in right now. I've been drinking and carrying on.'"
Despite being told he needed to attend, Atkins admitted he was too impaired to perform, stating, "I just blew that audition. I mean, it wasn't even an audition — I had the part, but I was so messed up that they said, 'Yeah, we're going to have to pass on this guy.'"
The role of Ren McCormack ultimately went to Kevin Bacon. Atkins has been sober for nearly 40 years.
Atkins also reflected on his breakout role in "The Blue Lagoon," released in 1980. He was 18 when cast in the film, which he initially had no intention of pursuing, having dreamed of playing baseball instead.
"I didn't know what a camera looked like. I had no idea what a mark was, and I knew nothing," Atkins explained. He was modeling for the Ford Modeling Agency in New York City when he auditioned for "The Blue Lagoon" and experienced a lengthy callback process before being cast.
Following the film's release, Atkins's life changed significantly due to his newfound fame. "We were young, and so you're constantly getting this notoriety," he said. "And the magazines need you to sell their magazines, and you're hot at that time. And so it does get overwhelming."
"The Blue Lagoon" generated controversy for its depiction of teenage sexuality and nudity. Atkins noted that the film's setting on a deserted island and the Australian crew's more relaxed attitudes towards toplessness contributed to a naturalistic portrayal.
"The crew made it very, very easy. Randall [Kleiser], the director, made it very, very easy about it," Atkins said. "He really wanted this to be as natural and as real as possible. I understood that and got that."
Despite critical reviews, "The Blue Lagoon" was a commercial success, grossing over $58 million worldwide and becoming the ninth-highest-grossing film of 1980. It also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography.
Atkins stated that he has no regrets about his career, emphasizing his desire to be a father over chasing fame. He worked consistently to provide for his children, taking on roles as they became available.
Now, with his children grown and having children of their own, Atkins is looking to direct his own film. "I've done everything in this business except make my own film. That's the last box I now want to check off," he said.