Michael Douglas Recalls Debra Winger Biting Him During ‘Romancing the Stone’ Meeting

In a recent episode of the Literally!

With Rob Lowe podcast, Michael Douglas shared the story behind his reluctance to work with Debra Winger in the 1984 adventure film Romancing the Stone.

Douglas, now 77, discussed his experience making the movie with director Robert Zemeckis and the initial meeting with Winger, who was the studio's top choice to play Douglas' romantic interest.

Ultimately, Kathleen Turner was cast in the role, leading to a lasting friendship between her and Douglas.

Winger was filming Terms of Endearment in Texas at the time and had a policy of not interacting with other actors or individuals while working on a film.

However, she agreed to meet Douglas and Zemeckis to discuss the role.

Douglas revealed that Winger was staying in a hospital to immerse herself in the character of a terminally ill patient.

During their dinner together, after consuming some tequilas, Winger playfully bit Douglas on the arm as a joking gesture.

Although Douglas laughed it off, he admitted feeling uncertain about working with Winger after the incident.

When Douglas returned to Hollywood and met with the studio to discuss Winger's potential casting, he broke down in tears and shared his concerns about going to the jungle with her.

He cited the biting incident as evidence and expressed doubts about the challenges that awaited them.

The studio ultimately respected his decision.

Turner mentioned the biting incident in her 2008 memoir, Send Yourself Roses: Thoughts on My Life, Love, and Leading Roles.

She noted that Douglas, who also served as a producer on Romancing the Stone, initially wanted Winger for the role of Joan but their relationship didn't develop as he had hoped.

Turner confirmed the story of Winger biting Douglas during a meeting at a Mexican restaurant.

Representatives for Winger have not yet provided a comment on the matter.

In a 2017 interview with PEOPLE, Winger discussed her decision to take a break from Hollywood at the age of 40 and her past conflicts with famous co-stars like Richard Gere and Shirley MacLaine.

She expressed detachment from the idea of Hollywood and emphasized her preference for Broadway as a more familial environment.

Winger clarified that her departure from the industry was mainly driven by a desire for new challenges in her personal life rather than dissatisfaction with the roles being offered to her.

She felt that her life itself provided more growth and fulfillment than the characters she was being presented with, leading her to fully embrace personal experiences instead.

In conclusion, Michael Douglas recalled an amusing yet memorable encounter with Debra Winger during their initial meeting for Romancing the Stone.

Despite the biting incident, Douglas ultimately decided against working with Winger, leading to the casting of Kathleen Turner and the subsequent success of the film.