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The combined machismo of Jason Momoa and Sylvester Stallone is almost too much for the screen to handle. So far, these powerhouse actors have joined forces on just one high-octane project: the 2012 film “Bullet to the Head.” This action-packed movie, inspired by the French graphic novel “Du plomb dans la tête” by Matz and Colin Wilson, was directed by Walter Hill. Hill is renowned for crafting iconic films such as “The Driver,” “The Warriors,” “Streets of Fire,” “48 Hrs.,” and “Red Heat.”
Warner Bros. Pictures
In “Bullet to the Head,” Stallone stars as hitman Jimmy Bobo, who forms an uneasy partnership with Detective Taylor Kwon, played by Sung Kang. The duo is drawn together by the need to confront a corrupt businessman, Robert Nkomo Morel (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), and his ruthless enforcer, Keegan (portrayed by Momoa). Together, they must dismantle Morel’s schemes or face dire consequences themselves. With Stallone, an icon of action cinema, leading the charge, the film is replete with intense action sequences, formidable physiques, and a plethora of unexpected twists.
Despite the star-studded trio of Stallone, Momoa, and director Hill, “Bullet to the Head” failed to win over critics and audiences alike. Unusually for a film in this genre, its critical reception outpaced audience approval, garnering a 44% “rotten” rating from critics, while viewers rated it even lower at 39% on Rotten Tomatoes. The true “bullet to the head” may have been its lukewarm reception.
Stallone’s influence in “Bullet to the Head” extended beyond his acting role, as he also had a significant impact on the film’s direction. Originally, Wayne Kramer was set to direct, but creative differences regarding the film’s tone led Stallone to seek a new director, ultimately bringing Walter Hill on board.
In crafting his character, Stallone made notable alterations from the original graphic novel. In an interview with Shortlist, Stallone confessed that while he appreciated Matz and Colin Wilson’s story, he opted for two key changes. “In the novel, my character was more sadistic and a bit unhinged, lacking redeeming qualities,” Stallone explained. “So I adjusted that and ditched the goatee to avoid looking too much like Barney from ‘The Expendables.’ The concept of a cop who becomes as ruthless as an assassin intrigued me.”
Sylvester Stallone made a special change to his character in Bullet to the Head
Warner Bros. Pictures
If you’re a fan of “Du plomb dans la tête” and found the film’s character changes disappointing, you might have Barney Ross to thank for that. On a brighter note, Matz’s other graphic novel adaptation, “The Killer,” successfully hit its target, with Looper praising it as “the perfect crime.”
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.”
