Questions
What is Enemy Mine about?
It follows a human fighter pilot and a reptilian alien, sworn enemies who crash on a hostile volcanic planet and must overcome their distrust to survive. Over three years stranded together, they form a deep friendship.
When did Enemy Mine come out?
It was released on December 20, 1985.
Who directed Enemy Mine?
Wolfgang Petersen directed it. He took over after the original director, Richard Loncraine, was replaced early in production.
Who starred in the film?
Dennis Quaid played the human pilot Willis Davidge and Louis Gossett Jr. played the alien Jeriba Shigan, known as Jerry.
Was Enemy Mine based on a book?
Yes, it was based on Barry B. Longyear’s 1979 novella of the same name, which won the Hugo Award in 1980.
What are the aliens in Enemy Mine called?
They are called Dracs, described as bipedal reptilian beings. The film’s screenplay was written by Edward Khmara.
How does the alien Jerry become pregnant while stranded alone?
The Dracs reproduce through self-fertilization, a process called autogamy, which is why Jerry becomes pregnant despite being alone with Davidge on the planet.
Who is Zammis?
Zammis is Jerry’s child, whom Davidge raises after Jerry dies in childbirth. Zammis calls Davidge "Uncle," and the role was played by Bumper Robinson.
Is it true the film was almost entirely reshot?
Reportedly yes. Richard Loncraine started shooting in April 1984, but after about three weeks and roughly $9 million spent, the footage was scrapped and Petersen restarted production from scratch.
Why did they throw out the original footage?
Petersen reportedly felt the magic was gone, saying Louis Gossett Jr. looked like a man in a rubber lizard suit. The Drac makeup was then redesigned, a process that reportedly took several months on its own.
Where was Enemy Mine filmed?
After the restart, production used studios in Munich, including the studio built for Das Boot, plus locations in Spain’s Canary Islands such as Timanfaya National Park.
How did the movie do at the box office?
It was a major flop in the US, earning about $12.3 million against a budget of roughly $29 million, which climbed higher with marketing costs.
How was Enemy Mine received by critics?
Reviews were mixed, and it holds a 61% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Roger Ebert gave it 2.5 out of 4 stars, though later reassessments praised its emotional depth and message about overcoming prejudice.
Did Enemy Mine set any unusual records?
Reportedly it became the first Western science fiction film shown in Soviet theaters. Fox also ran a marketing stunt with simultaneous 30-second commercials across all three major US networks.
Is there a new version of Enemy Mine coming?
A remake has reportedly been in development, with Terry Matalas, known as the showrunner of Star Trek: Picard, attached to a new version.
