Evan Rachel Wood recently shared an intriguing behind-the-scenes story from the 2007 Beatles-themed musical, “Across the Universe,” revealing that one of its most psychedelic scenes was more authentic than viewers might have imagined. During a special Cinespia screening at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Wood disclosed that she and co-star Jim Sturgess were actually under the influence of real drugs while filming the “I Am the Walrus” sequence.
Wood, who couldn’t attend the event in person due to a knee injury, recorded a video message for the audience. She explained that during the hallucinogenic nightclub scene, where Bono performs as “Dr. Robert,” both she and Sturgess were genuinely tripping. The scene is known for its swirling colors and lights, designed to simulate a drug-induced experience. Wood mentioned that director Julie Taymor was initially unaware of their altered state. When Taymor found out later, her reaction was simply, “Oh. That makes sense!”
The actress also shared that the film’s production faced significant challenges. Studio executives wanted to remove many of the film’s key elements, including its political, queer, and psychedelic themes. Wood credited Taymor for standing her ground and ensuring the film retained its original vision. The entire cast supported Taymor, even threatening to remove their names from the project if the studio made drastic changes.
Wood’s video message was part of a larger celebration of the film, which has maintained a dedicated fan base nearly two decades after its release. She expressed gratitude for the continued support, noting that the film was made by Beatles fans for Beatles fans. The production process was lengthy, involving almost a year of filming and extensive preparation.
Set in the 1960s, “Across the Universe” addresses issues related to the Vietnam War, drawing parallels to contemporary conflicts at the time of its release. Wood remarked on the film’s enduring relevance, emphasizing its central message that “all you need is love.”
In her closing remarks, Wood provided more context for the “I Am the Walrus” scene, reiterating that she, Sturgess, and co-star Joe Anderson were all under the influence during filming. Taymor’s belated realization of their state added an amusing layer to the story.
The Cinespia screening, sponsored by Amazon and Wondery, was part of a series of outdoor film showings at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The event featured a variety of classic films, but the “Across the Universe” screening stood out due to Wood’s candid revelations and the film’s unique production history.
Wood’s anecdotes and the film’s journey to the screen highlight the creative risks and behind-the-scenes dynamics that often go unnoticed by audiences. Her story adds a new layer of appreciation for the film, reminding fans of the dedication and passion that went into its making.
