Inside The Princess Bride: The Story Behind an Inconceivable Cult Classic

The 1987 film The Princess Bride, adapted from William Goldman’s 1973 fantasy novel, blends adventure, comedy, romance, swordplay and a touch of the supernatural. Its mix of genres made the movie hard to classify and market at first, but it ultimately found a devoted audience. After a slow theatrical run, the film became a beloved cult classic, resonating across generations and entering popular culture through memorable lines and moments.

A Story About True Love — and Friendship

Part of the film’s lasting appeal is its universal themes. While the central romance between Westley and Buttercup propels the plot, the supporting characters and their relationships give the story emotional depth. Fezzik’s imposing stature hides a gentle nature and fierce loyalty, making him the kind of ally viewers admire. Inigo Montoya’s single-minded pursuit of revenge reveals deeper feelings and humanity as the story unfolds.

Good Triumphs Over Evil

At its core, The Princess Bride is a timeless tale of good prevailing over evil. Its wholesome values and upbeat tone helped the film build a loyal fan base in unexpected places, and cast members and audiences alike have credited the movie’s optimistic spirit for much of its popularity.

Making the Film Seemed Impossible at First

Goldman’s novel had been optioned multiple times over two decades without progressing to production. Rob Reiner, who had cherished the book since his father gave it to him, longed to adapt it for the screen. Despite initial resistance, Reiner persisted. With financial backing secured, he moved forward and found in Goldman a collaborator who liked his vision from the start — an alignment that helped shape the finished film.

Modest Box Office, Enduring Afterlife

Critically praised but only modestly successful in theaters, the movie grossed about $30.8 million in North America on a $16 million budget. Its release on home video broadened its audience and helped secure the film’s cult status. Over time, home video sales and repeated viewings cemented the movie’s place in popular culture.

A Cast of Relative Unknowns

Many cast members were not yet household names. The film was an early screen credit for Robin Wright and Fred Savage, and it marked Carey Elwes’s first major comedic role. André the Giant made his acting debut as Fezzik. Christopher Guest, later better known for ensemble comedies, had some television experience but was not yet widely recognized.

Cary Elwes as Westley

Rob Reiner saw Elwes in Lady Jane and knew he was right for Westley. Despite Elwes being abroad for another project, Reiner traveled to meet him and quickly confirmed the casting. Elwes had admired the novel as a teenager and later said he couldn’t have imagined playing Westley until the opportunity arose.

Robin Wright: The Perfect Buttercup

Buttercup’s casting came late, just a week before filming began. After several auditions failed to find the right actress, Robin Wright was brought in and immediately fit the part. Her look, presence and performance resonated strongly with the creative team and with Goldman, who recognized her as the character he had envisioned.

André the Giant as Fezzik

From the earliest plans to adapt the novel, André the Giant was a natural choice for Fezzik. Other tall actors were considered, but scheduling worked out and André ultimately took the role. His physical presence and gentle demeanor became a defining part of the character.

An Endlessly Quotable Film

The Princess Bride is often cited as one of the most quoted movies in modern cinema. Lines like “Inconceivable!”, “I do not think that means what you think it means,” “Have fun storming the castle!” and “I am not left-handed” have entered everyday speech. Actors have shared that fans frequently recite lines to them or even have quotes tattooed on their bodies.

Improv Added Comic Spark

Rob Reiner allowed Billy Crystal and Carol Kane room to improvise, producing some of the film’s funniest moments. Crystal’s comedic timing and ad-libs challenged the cast to keep straight faces, and even the director occasionally stepped away during particularly hilarious takes.

Practical Challenges on Set

Although André was physically strong, years of wrestling and health issues limited what he could safely perform. For example, Buttercup’s being carried was achieved with wires because the filmmakers could not rely on André to support the actress for that shot. Practical effects and careful staging ensured the scenes looked convincing while protecting cast members’ safety.

Cary Elwes’ Injury and Its Impact

Elwes broke his big toe early in filming when an ATV he was learning to ride stalled over some rocks. Fearing delays or replacement, he continued working through the pain. The injury altered his gait in parts of the film, which later became part of Westley’s on-screen movement through sequences like the Fire Swamp.

Authentic Fencing and Training

Elwes and Mandy Patinkin trained extensively with professional swordmasters to perform the film’s fencing sequences. They studied classic fencing films and practiced daily, even learning each other’s choreography to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure believable duels on screen.

Actors Performed Most Stunts

While stunt doubles were used for the most dangerous or acrobatic moments — such as a bar-swing in one fight and the famous hill roll — the principal actors performed the majority of their action sequences. Stunt coordinators and doubles coached the actors to keep risks low while maintaining realism.

Elwes’ Memoir and Ongoing Interest

Cary Elwes wrote a memoir about making the film, recounting behind-the-scenes stories and memories from the cast and crew. The book brought renewed attention to the movie and gave readers a deeper appreciation for the production’s challenges and joys.

Quote-Along Screenings and Fan Rituals

The film’s quotability inspired interactive screenings where audiences recite lines, ring bells during certain scenes, blow bubbles at the climax and cheer or groan on cue. These “quote-along” events celebrate audience participation and show how the movie continues to foster community and shared enjoyment.

Fond Memories from Cast and Crew

Cast and crew members frequently describe the production as a joyful experience. For many involved, the film remains a personal favorite. Stories from the set recall moments of camaraderie, improvisation and mutual affection that helped shape a film still cherished decades later.

Fans Resist the Idea of a Remake

Talk of remaking the film has met with resistance from fans who value the original’s tone, performances and unique charm. For many viewers, the original remains definitive and irreplaceable.

Social Media Reactions

Jamie Lee Curtis, Married to Christopher Guest, Reacted

Ted Cruz Shared a Comment

Andy Lassner Posted His Thoughts

A Fan Tweeted in Praise