"Wild Things’: Kevin Bacon talks about his kissing scene with Matt Dillon.

 Wild Things’: Kevin Bacon talks about his kissing scene with Matt Dillon.

In the 1998 film Wild Things, a provocative thriller known for its intricate plot twists and steamy scenes, an intimate moment between Kevin Bacon and Matt Dillon was scripted but ultimately never filmed. This scene would have revealed a deeper, unexpected layer to their characters' relationship, aligning with the film's theme of concealed secrets and surprising revelations.​

Kevin Bacon, who portrayed Sergeant Ray Duquette, recently discussed this omitted scene. In an interview with Esquire's "For the Record" series, he recounted that the original script included a scene where his character and Matt Dillon's character, guidance counselor Sam Lombardo, share a passionate kiss in a shower. Bacon expressed enthusiasm for the twist, stating, "To me, that was a great twist... I was like, 'That'd be an awesome twist.'" He humorously added, "Look at him—he's gorgeous." 

Director John McNaughton corroborated this account in a 2023 interview with Entertainment Weekly, explaining that the scene was intended to showcase a sudden and intense romantic encounter between the two male leads. However, the scene was removed from the script prior to filming. ​

The decision to cut the scene was influenced by concerns from the film's financiers, who felt that depicting a same-sex kiss between the male leads might be too controversial at the time. Bacon noted in a 2005 interview that the financiers believed the scene "went too far" and deemed it inappropriate. ​

Matt Dillon, on the other hand, expressed =relief that the scene was omitted. He acknowledged that Bacon was supportive of the scene but admitted his own reservations about filming such an intimate moment with a male co-star. 

Despite the omission of this particular scene, subtle hints about the characters' complex relationships remain in the film. McNaughton pointed out that during a bar scene in the closing credits, there are nuanced interactions that suggest deeper connections between the characters. ​

Wild Things is renowned for its daring narrative and unexpected plot developments. The inclusion of a same-sex kiss between Bacon and Dillon's characters would have added another layer of complexity to the film's exploration of deception and hidden motives. While the scene was ultimately left out, its intended impact continues to intrigue audiences and spark discussions about the film's bold storytelling choices.​

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