MovieChat Forums > Space Cowboys (2000) Discussion > Steve McQueen as Colonel Hawkins?

Steve McQueen as Colonel Hawkins?

posted 21 years ago by slaterms
9 replies | jump to latest

I am not given to questioning the infinite power and wisdom of the Lord Almighty; but why, oh why was Steve McQueen taken at his prime so long ago. If he was still with us, I believe he would have been perfect as "Hawk".

Tommy Lee Jones earns an above average for his work here, but he simply does not have the history as a leading man as the other leads. Eastwood, Garner, and Sutherland have had a long history as Hollywood veterans, and this is the main charm of this film. Jones, though advanced in years as the others, only hit his peak rather recently. Steve McQueen had the history, and would have been the perfect compliment to the other three.

He would have been, I believe, 69 or 70 during filming.

I am aware of the utter uselessness of my argument, and that it is pointless to ponder what might have been. Still, I found my idea intruguing enough to share here.

[–] SabuTheThief 21 years ago

Tommy Lee Jones is not "advanced in years as the others". He is 57 years old. Clint Eastwood is 73. James Garner is 75. Donald Sutherland is 68. Tommy Lee Jones, while not having the same history as the others, did a great job in this movie, as he does in every movie. Have you seen Lonesome Dove?

I respect your opinion, but I don't think TLJ has hit his peak yet. He keeps getting better & better.

But like all true love, one day it withered on the vine...

[–] slaterms 21 years ago

I was not attempting to denigrate the fine performance of Tommy Lee Jones. I was mostly brooding about not having McQueen around to perhaps do some of these roles. I had just seen part of a Steve McQueen marathon -- maybe on AMC -- and I was thinking "Why was he taken when [insert overrated actor's name here] continues to walk the earth?" Maybe I'll hit the Steve McQueen discussion board next!

You were correct to point out Jones' age. At 57, he's no spring chicken, but he's not quite 'advanced' in age as those others. I hereby retract that statement.

Tommy Lee Jones is hot right now, but that was my point. Those others that I mentioned *have* peaked, generally years ago; while Jones is a contemporary star. However, this may have been the producers/casting's goal: balance the other three (I hate to use the term 'has-beens') with the rising star of Jones.

[–] SabuTheThief 21 years ago

I see your point. I do love Steve McQueen as well. However, my undying and somewhat twisted love for Tommy Lee Jones forces me to spring to his defense even when he's not being insulted...;-)

I do think that TLJ did a really good job, and that there are not a lot of contemporary actors who could hold their own with the other three.

But like all true love, one day it withered on the vine...

[–] Jetfire59 20 years ago

I'm sorry; i love Steve McQueen; especially in Bullitt. But no one but TLJ could do Hawk.

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but I KNOW they'll break yours."

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[–] Polaris01313-1 17 years ago

I could actually see Steve McQueen in the role of Colonel Hawkins. It is a shame that he died over a quarter of a century past. He was a remarkable actor.

[–] peter-mcgill-1 17 years ago

i don't think steve thought too much of james garner............

[–] Ram_Bowen 16 years ago

What? He liked Garner a lot, at least that's what I've heard. They were good chums . Lived next to each other too.