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By mid-February, 2026 has already seen the passing of several iconic actors, shaking the film industry and fans alike. Among them is the revered Robert Duvall, whose remarkable career spanned decades. Though in his 90s, Duvall remained active in cinema almost until his final days, releasing two films in 2022, including the Netflix thriller “The Pale Blue Eye,” which would mark his last on-screen appearance.
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Produced and led by Christian Bale, “The Pale Blue Eye” featured a stellar cast with talents like Gillian Anderson and Toby Jones alongside Duvall. Despite this, the film quietly entered and exited the scene, garnering a lukewarm yet generally favorable reception. It earned recognition for its visual effects, but failed to leave a lasting impression. This is particularly poignant as it became Duvall’s swan song in the film industry.
The movie, adapted from a 2006 novel, unfolds in the Romantic era, following detective Augustus Landor, played by Bale, as he unravels a string of murders at a military academy. Assisting him is a young cadet, Edgar Allan Poe, portrayed by Harry Melling. Although Duvall’s role as Jean-Pepe is brief, his portrayal infuses the character with significant weight, as Jean-Pepe’s vast knowledge and extensive library become vital to solving the mystery.
Interestingly, “The Pale Blue Eye” marks the second collaboration between Bale and Duvall, their previous joint effort being the beloved 1992 Disney musical “Newsies.” In this film, a teenage Bale took on the role of a young newsboy, while Duvall portrayed the legendary newspaper magnate Joseph Pulitzer.
Duvall’s role is brief but memorable
Netflix
There was almost another reunion for Duvall and Bale before “The Pale Blue Eye.” They were nearly cast together in the 2013 crime drama “Out of the Furnace,” directed by Scott Cooper, who later directed “The Pale Blue Eye.” While Bale took part in “Out of the Furnace,” Duvall was in talks but ultimately did not join the project.
“The Pale Blue Eye” actually marks the second time that Bale and Duvall appeared in a film together, with the previous being one of the best family movies of all time. That movie was “Newsies,” the 1992 Disney musical that starred a still-teenaged Bale playing opposite Duvall’s version of famed newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer.
Duvall and Bale nearly shared the screen one other time between “Newsies” and “The Pale Blue Eye.” The 2013 crime drama “Out of the Furnace” was directed by Scott Cooper, who would later direct “Eye” for Bale. But only Bale appeared in the previous film. Duvall was sought for a role but ultimately didn’t sign on to the project.
