November marks the 30th anniversary of Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Romeo + Juliet’
Credit: TheStewartofNY/WireImage;Merrick Morton/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock
NEED TO KNOW
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John Leguizamo recently reflected on his role in Romeo + Juliet and joked about knowing he was “sexy” in the film
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The 65-year-old actor also looked back at the movie’s premiere and shared a laugh about his outfit from the event
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Leguizamo made sure to praise Baz Luhrmann’s rendition of Shakespeare’s classic and said he would gladly work with the director again
Nearly 30 years after Romeo + Juliet hit theaters, John Leguizamo is still looking back on the film with plenty of humor and appreciation.
During a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, the actor reflected on his memorable turn as Tybalt in Baz Luhrmann’s bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic while revisiting some of the movie’s biggest moments.
As he looked back on the role, Leguizamo didn’t shy away from sharing what he remembers most about his younger self on screen. In fact, his confidence came through with a laugh as he declared, “I was sexy in that motherf—–. I was sexy as a motherf—–,” he told the outlet.
Credit: Merrick Morton/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock
Entertainment Tonight also treated Leguizamo to a throwback interview from the film’s 1996 world premiere, giving him the chance to revisit one of the biggest nights of the movie’s release.
Watching the vintage footage, his attention immediately shifted to his red-carpet fashion, which included sunglasses and a colorful collared shirt, prompting a self-deprecating observation about the look he wore for the occasion.
“I think I dressed myself that day,” he said. “You could tell, I didn’t have a stylist.”
Released in 1996, Romeo + Juliet stood apart from previous adaptations by placing Shakespeare’s story in a modern setting filled with rival gangs, flashy cars and stylized action while keeping the original dialogue intact.
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes alongside Leguizamo, the film introduced the classic tragedy to a new generation of moviegoers.
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Credit: Merrick Morton/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock
Reflecting on why the film continues to resonate, Leguizamo credited Luhrmann’s bold creative approach and the lasting impact it had on young audiences.
“Baz Luhrmann’s vision of making this a Latin world, using contemporary gangsters and low riders — I mean that was hot,” Leguizamo says. “They showed it in schools, you know. They showed it in schools, and … kids said to Shakespeare. They go, ‘I would have never read Shakespeare if it wasn’t for Baz Luhrmann’s movie.’ ”
When asked whether he would team up with Luhrmann again, the actor didn’t hesitate before enthusiastically embracing the idea and praising what it is like to collaborate with one of the industry’s most distinctive filmmakers.
“Oh, absolutely, in a heartbeat, man. I mean, you’re working with the best. You’re only gonna do incredible things,” Leguizamo told Entertainment Tonight. “Like, if you’re with an A-team, like the New York Knicks… you’re only gonna get a championship ring. Don’t be jelly.”
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