‘I Don’t Believe in Regrets’: John Travolta Opens Up at Zurich Film Fest, Hints at Playing Vince Lombardi in Upcoming Biopic
Thursday night, Oliver Stone kicked off the 2012 Zurich Film Festival with his latest thriller “Savages,” but all eyes were on the film’s sole star in attendance, John Travolta, this year’s recipient of the Golden Eye, the festival’s lifetime achievement award.
Despite a scene-stealing supporting turn in “Savages” and being the toast of Zurich, Travolta has had a rough year. Since May, Travolta’s been plagued by controversy after a number of lawsuits were filed against him, including two from masseurs who claimed he had inappropriately touched and propositioned them (both have since dropped their lawsuits).
Speaking to the press alongside Stone opening night, Travolta seemed reasonably nervous and cagey, but he did respond to a journalist who asked if he had any regrets. “I don’t believe in regrets,” the actor replied. “I believe your future’s in your tomorrows, but I do believe you learn from the past. It’s been a good life. It’s been filled with ups and downs, and fascinating adventures.”
Asked (slyly, I think) if it’s important to have a strong woman (in Travolta’s case, actress Kelly Preston) and family by your side, Travolta said, “As long as it’s the right wife and the right family, I think it’s marvelous. I have the right one, and I’m very happy for it. I know we’re kind of dinosaurs in Hollywood, being together so long. But it works.”
In a break from the personal, Travolta also hinted at some upcoming projects in the works: one that would re-team him with his “Face/Off” and “Broken Arrow” director John Woo, and another that would see him embody iconic football coach Vince Lombardi.
Travolta said he’s hoping to get a 3D remake of Woo’s classic 1989 action film “The Killer” off the ground, with Woo on tap to produce and John H. Lee attached to direct from a script by Josh Campbell. As to whom Travolta would play, he didn’t say. But with Jung Woo-sung confirmed to play the lead role of the assassin (played by Chow Yun-fat in the original), my guess is that Travolta would play the detective assigned to hunt him down.
As for the other project, Travolta told the press that Lombardi actually coached his dad, Salvatore Travolta, before he went professional. Lombardi is best known as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers, which he led to their first two championships, and the NFL’s Super Bowl trophy is named in his honor.
The Zurich Film Festival runs through September 30.
