“Kevin Bacon Says Wild Things Shower Scene Kiss with Matt Dillon Was Cut: ‘Look at Him — He’s Gorgeous’”

Kevin Bacon disclosed that filmmakers originally planned for him to share a romantic moment with Wild Things co-star Matt Dillon during their bathroom sequence in the 1998 thriller.

During a conversation on Esquire’s “For the Record” series, the seasoned actor, now 66, explained how scriptwriters eliminated a bold narrative turn involving his character (detective Ray Duquette) and Dillon’s role (counselor Sam Lombardo).

In the existing sensual shower sequence – where Sam discovers a naked Ray already using the facility – producers ultimately scrapped plans for the men to kiss passionately.

“The screenplay initially included us locking lips,” Bacon shared. “This revelation aligned perfectly with the movie’s theme of shocking revelations. I believed it would’ve been a brilliant narrative swerve.”

“However, the scene never materialized during filming. While I supported the concept enthusiastically – who wouldn’t with such an attractive colleague? – it got axed early,” remarked the Footloose alumnus about the film featuring Neve Campbell and Denise Richards.

When a producer jokingly suggested Bacon had been eager for the deleted sequence, the actor chuckled: “Absolutely. Wouldn’t you be? He’s incredibly handsome.”

This erased plot point resurfaced in a 2005 Total Film interview, where Bacon disclosed filmmakers envisioned Dillon joining him in the shower for the controversial clinch.

“Considering the film’s focus on explosive revelations, this would’ve perfectly complemented the theme,” he told reporters. “Sadly, studio executives deemed it too provocative for mainstream audiences.”

Director John McNaughton confirmed these details during a 2023 Entertainment Weekly retrospective: “The script called for intense eye contact before they impulsively kissed.”

Bacon currently headlines Prime Video’s The Bondsman, premiering April 3.