Based on Homer’s epic Illiad and following the events of the Trojan War, Wolfgang Petersen’s 2004 historical epic Troy is a movie that you either love or hate. It received mixed reviews from critics due to historical inaccuracies and bad writing but became a hit with the audience thanks to exciting visuals and an ensemble cast that included Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Sean Bean, and Orlando Bloom. Continue reading to find out some interesting facts about the movie that will either encourage you to rewatch it or make you check it out if you have never seen it.
Wolfgang Petersen Made the Movie Because He Missed Out on Gladiator
Director Wolfgang Petersen reportedly was offered to direct the Academy Award-winning movie Gladiator but turned it down. After seeing the success of Gladiator, which ended up being directed by Ridley Scott, Petersen jumped on the opportunity to direct Troy as a way to redeem himself.
Brad Pitt Tore His Achilles While Shooting the Movie
Brad Pitt, who played Greek hero Achilles in the movie, tore his Achilles tendon while shooting the movie. In Greek mythology, Achilles is invulnerable in all of his body except his heel. The Achilles tendon, a tendon that connects calf muscles with the heel, is named after him.
Producers Were Offered a Chance to Shoot the Film at the Site of the Real Troy
Troy was filmed at various locations in Malta and Mexico. However, producers were offered a chance to shoot the movie at the site of an ancient Greek city that is considered to have been the real Troy in Hisarlik, Turkey. Turkish government even offered to sponsor the movie but was unsuccessful in their bid.
Trojan Horse from the Movie Settled in a Fitting Location
The Trojan Horse replica used in the movie was used in the promotional campaign and was displayed at various locations around the world. However, it eventually made its way to Canakkale, a Turkish city located 20 miles from the site of the real Troy.
Pitt Disliked the Movie
The critics are not the only ones who didn’t like the movie. Pitt also shared his dislike for Troy in one interview, saying that he wasn’t satisfied with the way it turned out and revealing that he only did it because of a contractual obligation to the studio.