Ron Howard's 'Wee-Wee' Moment with Kevin Bacon on "Apollo 13" and More Secrets

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Apollo 13 with New Insights

Ron Howard, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Apollo 13, has shared some fascinating and unexpected stories from the making of the film as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. The movie, which recounts the harrowing true story of NASA’s 1970 lunar mission that turned into a dramatic survival effort, is set to return to theaters on September 19, exclusively in IMAX. This re-release offers audiences a chance to experience the film in an immersive format, bringing the gripping narrative to life once again.

During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Howard revealed one of the more unusual moments from the production. He described how he passed out during a physical examination required for the cast and crew to prepare for filming in zero gravity conditions aboard a Boeing KC-135, affectionately known as the “Vomit Comet.” The physical included a treadmill test, blood work, and a heart monitor. Howard, who suffers from vagovasal syncope, experienced a sudden episode that led to him losing consciousness and even urinating before completing the urine test.

“I come to and I wake up and Kevin Bacon is looking at me,” Howard recalled. “He’s looking down, he’s looking up. I’m one degree from Kevin Bacon and I just take a beat and I just go, ‘Ten extra closeups in this movie, buddy, if you don’t say a word.’ He said, ‘I’m with ya, boss.’”

A Star’s Unlikely Choice

Another intriguing detail from the production involves astronaut Jim Lovell, who was portrayed by Tom Hanks in the film. Lovell had initially wanted Kevin Costner to play him, believing that the actor looked similar to him and had been gaining attention for his role in Dances with Wolves. However, Costner was not available, and the idea never materialized.

A Family Connection

Howard also shared a personal anecdote about casting his own mother, Jean Howard, in the film. She played the role of Jim Lovell’s mother, delivering the memorable line, “If they could get a washing machine to fly, my Jimmy could land it.” Initially, Howard was unsure about casting his mother due to concerns about her age. His father suggested she would be perfect, but Howard hesitated.

“I said, ‘Mom, you don't really look old enough for Mrs. Lovell.’” She responded, “Oh, well, you can add some wrinkles and we'll get the right glasses and I'll mat my hair down.” Even after reading for the part, Howard remained uncertain. His mother then removed her false teeth and asked, “Will this help?” Howard, clearly impressed, replied, “Okay, mom, you got it.”

Embracing True Stories

For Howard, Apollo 13 marked his first film based on a true story. He admitted to having initial concerns about whether telling a real-life account would limit his creative freedom. However, meeting the astronauts who had lived through the events helped him appreciate the power of factual storytelling.

“I had fears about that, that it would somehow limit my creativity,” he explained. “And I found that for me, a history lover like Tom Hanks, who totally believed in the facts and was like just tirelessly digging up information and leading this charge that, hey, the truth is where the excitement is in this story.”

A Special Re-Release

As Apollo 13 returns to IMAX theaters for a one-week run starting September 19, fans have a unique opportunity to revisit this iconic film. With its blend of drama, suspense, and historical accuracy, the movie continues to captivate audiences nearly three decades after its original release. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the story, the re-release promises an unforgettable cinematic experience.