WTF Happened to PETER WELLER?

Peter Weller starred in some of the most iconic films of the eighties. While he'll forever be known as the definitive Robocop, aka Alex Murphy, let's not forget that he also played the title role in one of the biggest cult classics of the decade, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighty Dimension. In the nineties, he headlined David Lynch's Naked Lunch, the sci-fi thriller Screamers, and many other cool flicks. Yet, towards the end of the decade, he moved behind the scenes into directing and eventually became a noted historian, earning his Ph.D. at UCLA. So, while he hasn't been seen in front of a camera for a long time (since Star Trek Into Darkness in 2013), it seems like this is more of a personal choice than anything else. So, what motivated Peter Weller to step away from the limelight and go in another direction? We dig into it in this episode of WTF Happened to this Celebrity!
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#PeterWeller #Robocop #wtfhappenedtothiscelebrity

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

A few years ago I landed a small acting role in a movie called Bang, I had no idea about the movie or who the leads were until I showed up for the table read at the production office in Bangkok, I walked into the room and there was Peter Weller at the head of the table. As a guy in my 40s I recognised him immediately and my mind was blown (I had to fight back total fanboy mode and stay professional). He is such a great guy, fun, cool, super smart, and also incredibly generous with his time and knowledge. He gave me a lot of points on my character, as well as just overall great advice on the industry and acting. I could go on and on singing his praises.

[@drapey292]

That's awesome! How did you get that role in the movie? did you know someone?

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

@@drapey292 Thanks, I auditioned for the role. I had to audition a few times before getting it.

[@thedragonlee76]

Damm,the same thing happened to me many years ago when I was a young actor and I did a guest part on Walker, Texas Ranger, and I met and did scenes with Chuck Norris and he was well...Everything I thought he was.He was nice,down to Earth and a decent person.My fan boy brain kicked in and I asked him about Bruce Lee in the Way of The Dragon film about the rumor that, they really were hitting each other and Chuck Norris says...If it were real blows,I would have knocked Bruce Lee out.He is a cool guy.And oh,I met his brother,who was heavily envolved with the show and his son,that directed the episode.

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

@@thedragonlee76 always such great experiences. You neer know who you are gonna run into.

[@brianclingenpeel5123]

That's. Awesome. I'm glad he is like that in real life. It's how I imagined him in my head and it's cool to find out it's true.

[@MatSpeedle]

A legend, him doing the Voice acting for the new Robocop game is awesome, and surprising 😀

[@billyheaning]

He was Batman's voice in the animated version of the Dark Knight Returns (not to be confused with The Dark Knight film). He did a great job.

[@terrydionne1541]

This guy has an amazing voice indeed!

[@anthonycarlisle6184]

Ge voiced robocop in mk11 too, testing the waters then

[@InkWarrior]

Peter Weller is Robocop AND Batman. That's peak status right there.

[@wstine79]

He was awesome in Robocop, Leviathan, and Naked Lunch. A very stoked man who I got a chance to meet at a convention a few years ago.

[@Ugly_German_Truths]

That list is definitely missing "the adventures of Buckaroo Banzai across the 8th dimension" too.

[@SammyRenard]

There's a photo floating around of weller in the robocop suit playing trumpet lol it's a riot

[@walterstevens5678]

Peter Weller is a treasure and will be appreciated/loved as long as movies are being made! Would love to see him do any new projects!

[@Locadel2003]

"Screamers" from 1995 was such a fine 90s creature feature flick. Underrated gem, it was fun

[@patrikkarlsson5846]

Screamers is an absolute gem, its so atmospheric and dark that you cant resist getting sucked into the story, even if its kinda bonkers =D

[@vladyvhv9579]

@@patrikkarlsson5846 Indeed. It's one of those movies that on the surface is your basic sci-fi creature feature (but with robots), but really has some interesting subtext and storyline, and a nice dash of mystery.

[@abdulkhafidsulaymaan]

Robocop 1 and 2 are two of my favorite movies. I think part two was a really good evolution from part one. The robotics help me a lot during my phase into drawing more mechanical characters (Kane was awesome to me back then). those movies were deep too. They introduced some really heavy concepts, like a city hiring a private security company to replace their police force- that is a genius concept. The concepts of self identity which lead to Murphy and Kane both accepting their lives as essentially cyborgs, that was deep too. All of the practical special effects, man... All of this makes me miss the movies from the 80s and 90s. Movies had heart back then.. Now all we have is CGI and an effort to expand the use of it...

[@terrorform242]

i figure robocop 2 only gets hate because its not a 1 to 1 copy of the first movie.. the whole story for robocop 2 was excellent imo.

[@vladyvhv9579]

I love that part 2 goes out of the way to explain that you can't just turn anyone into a cyborg and expect it to work. Also, the movie does have some social commentary on how overbearing political correctness can ruin things (all of the PC directives driving Murphy crazy). Also, yeah. There's too much reliance on GGI. Though, some movie makers are realizing the backlash and working on bringing back practical effects that can be polished with some CGI flourishes. Which, the blending of those can be done very well. CGI is one of those things that isn't a terrible tool. It just can't be the only tool in the toolbox.

[@LDrumsOhio]

Peter Weller is just magic honestly. He's incredibly intelligent, published, a skilled actor, and able to take weak source material and make it better through his work. I know he took a break from even talking about Robocop but has come back to it later in life and I appreciate that. His role in ST Into Darkness was the best part of that film as even his few scenes he was able to convey the urgency of his position. I really just respect this man and his work immensely.

[@darkhymnsfromthecoldnorth]

Always liked Peter. That commanding voice, piercing blue eyes, he has it all.

[@jamesmorant1406]

Peter Weller is a legend, so many great roles, Robocop Shaketown Naked Lunch Leviathan and 24

[@Azurantine81]

Lol did make me chuckle because of how true it is "Everything is better than Robocop 3". Will always have a great respect for Peter Weller.

[@gustavoalmanza2673]

No hate to Robert John Burke through

[@vladyvhv9579]

Honestly, I'd say that Robocop 3 is more lackluster than bad. It's not something I'd go out of my way to watch, but it's better than some of the tripe that Hollywood's thrown and contenues to throw at us.

[@gustavoalmanza2673]

@@vladyvhv9579 I thought Robert John Burke was a good Alex Murphy. Too bad the script barely gave him anything good

[@soupio7749]

Met him at fan expo chicago last year. It was a dream come true and he was warm, fascinating and genuine with everyone. Had his trumpet and would play once in a while for people.

[@mikem10481]

Loved that he did Bruce Wayne / Batman, for the Dark Knight Returns. It was up there with the late Kevin Conroy as the best Batman voice over.

[@stevephlyer]

Peter Weller is as big a star as needs to be for all those of us who grew up watching his work in the 80s and 90s, primarily. With all his impressive accomplishments outside the limelight of the silver screen, and as you perfectly pointed out, he is too complete a person to had been a bigger Hollywood star than he currently is.

[@sunnyjohnson992]

I ❤Peter Weller and Robocop is my favorite movie ever! I was hoping you could also do WTF Happened to Nancy Allen, his co-star.

[@trevorslinkard31]

Peter Weller returning to play Robocop in Rogue City struck some chords that I can’t explain.

[@joneshoward17]

Peter was an interesting person to work with. He was directing an episode of Shades of Blue and though I really enjoyed working with him, he got days done in under nine hours, he was very intense. He made a PA cry by yelling at her because she forgot to pick up his backpack from the previous set.

[@joneshoward17]

@@theriomrasputin8233 what department do you work in? My main departments are AD and Locations but I dabble in other departments. I was an additional PA for that episode so I was away from the battlefield mainly doing lock ups but yeah, he is an experience.

[@mrpepre]

He was destined to play Murphy and robocop he’s just perfect in all of it

[@MrBoyYankee]

Don't forget about him playing one of Shawn Spencer's archenemy Yin from the yin yang on psych.

[@jmarx3943]

I always appreciated his vocal performance in the dark knight returns. Great older batman.

[@gjergjaurelius9798]

I still love RoboCop 2. One of the 1st movies i saw in theaters.

[@scottvincent184]

Peter Weller is on the same level of awesomeness as Christopher Lee!

[@YusufYuie]

been waiting in this. A true great actor and creative. One of the best of all time!

[@mattymac1399]

First Born deserved a bit more attention here. Saw it years ago and it packed a wallop. Props to Shakedown as well(er).

[@JoBloOriginals]

I actually really like that movie (Firstborn).

[@mattymac1399]

Kewl beanz. Always good to see Mr Weller getting some love.

[@cpl.barbarusc4814]

I always knew this guy is a badass actor and fantastic director, but having him as a freaking history professor? I wouldn't miss any of their classes and damn it, I would have make an effort to have a 10 in their class.

[@aluinie]

Fantastic actor loved him in Robocop and his tv apperance such as enterprise and sons of anarchy.

[@stanleystaklight7555]

Dark knight returns 1n2 was sooooo epic

[@Morgil27]

I remember years ago seeing him on The History Channel talking about ancient Mayan culture. Seeing Robocop talking about that shit blew my fricken mind.

[@anubhavsingha1090]

Woah, cool video man.

[@danielmcelhatton1724]

There are some great videos on KZbin where he talks about physical acting throughout the history of film. What an education.

[@historygems1190]

Great episode. I now have to see shakedown that I’ve never heard of before.

[@Rendezman562]

next to Kevin Conroy, Peter is my 2nd fave batman voice actor.

[@RuiLuz]

A true old school actor, because he is much more than just an actor, that gives him a lot of depth, substance and gravitas. Something these new modern "actors" should learn.

[@bleedingteddy]

I quite enjoyed this video just one note of correction though. The reason the movie Buckaroo Banzai against the world crime league never got made is because the character and concept ended up in rights hell with several different players claiming to own the full rights.

[@houseovragnar9259]

When you mentioned his role as Christopher Henderson on 24, I did the silent yell since the house is still sleeping. 24 is my all time favorite TV show and Peter was top notch in 24. In the novels, it is Chris who recruits Jack to CTU in the novel 24: Declassified, Trinity. He's also in my 24 story I've been working on for a long time. Robocop is definitely his best movie and 24 his best tv role to me with 24 being my personal favorite from the 2.

[@ronineditor9920]

I was working on a show and that he was in it that season... my only real interaction I had with him was our launch party and we're in this huge buffet line. He just barges ahead of all of us, wedges me aside without saying much, grabs his food and goes. Like, uh... RoboCop just broke a party 'law' ;)

[@williamdixon-gk2sk]

Your lucky you stayed out of trouble or Murphy would have been reading Miranda rights to a corpse.

[@queelude9]

A young Peter Weller would have been a perfect Doctor Strange.

[@cweaver4080]

Now we need "WTF happened to the History Channel?"

[@MrAlice]

WHOA. He was born on his birthday??!! Dude that nuts, I wish I was born on my birthday 😥😥😥😥😥😥

[@archlich4489]

ikr

[@Locadel2003]

"Shakedowm" from 1988 was awesome

[@jnulpi1]

peter weller is one of my favorite actor of all time.sad that he was always underrated.

[@Zeithri]

No matter where you go, there you are.

[@awandererfromys1680]

17:52 That episode was directed by Panos Cosmatos, the son of George P. Cosmatos who directed _Of Unknown Origin_ and _Leviathan,_ which also star Peter Weller.

[@jolfer1334]

I didn't know he directed sons of anarchy. Good shit

[@niterida380]

Wow. This guy has more energy than the Energizer Bunny.

[@tkskagen]

In this era, why did we never get the sequel of "Buckaroo Banzai"?

[@bacht4799]

©️ was the problem.. there wasn’t control over it so no one knows how had what… !

[@bnkosu]

He was the main villain of one of 24’s best seasons. Played a great crooked cop on Sons of Anarchy. And hosted my favorite documentary series of all time (he should cover a few more Empire’s…).

[@saratov99]

Screamers is a masterpiece!

[@vladyvhv9579]

Indeed. I first watched it many years ago when it showed up on a movie channel, initially not having much expectations. And holy cow, was I not prepared for how good it is.

[@alteregobro4826]

leviathan is an underrated classic

[@gjergjaurelius9798]

Overshadowed by the abyss.😢

[@deecee-EKOSI]

..............🇨🇦🤗Love it 🤗🇨🇦..............

[@happiaxxident]

Mmm… Love that Weller. First time I saw him was in Showtime, I think, Fairy Tale Anthology episode.

[@ThisFinalHandle]

Well said, creativity and learning are more worthy goals in their own right than fame and fortune. My brain is always trying to name Screamers as Tremors for some reason.

[@ianbrewster8934]

Peter Weller is a national and world treasure 😃😃😃

[@RichardBarron_]

Is this a reupload?

[@swevicus]

Another overlooked aspect of the P-Man is that he's multilingual - he's fluent in at least 3 languages: Italian, French and English. :)

[@alastaircenter9596]

JOBLO !!!! PLEASE PLEASE do a video on the movie FREAKED (1993)

[@abdulkhafidsulaymaan]

Man, thats what he said about movies? That is exactly how I have always felt... I remember when we used to go to the movies when I was a kid, it was great because it was so ghetto and raunchy but it was like a huge family reunion. When something good happened in a movie the whole crowd would respond as one.. damn. I guess thats why I love movies cause I love people..

[@RichieAustinMagician]

Holy new information batman ... i never put his voice and batman together ive watched the DK Returns so many times

[@josephsimpson8501]

I really enjoyed Shakedown back in the day. It definitely did not get enough credit for it's humor.

[@ericmason349]

I thought he was pretty cool in The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension. It was such a underrated movie. Being a 50's kid Buckaroo was defiantly a 50's kid fantasy. Especially when Buckaroo gets help from some local followers and that little kid is right there taking part as an adult.

[@superquad7]

This is a great video! However, one fact isn't accurate: Peter Weller turned down the role for RoboCop in RoboCop 3 for scheduling conflicts due to his role in Naked Lunch only. At this point, this is very well documented as the case, to the point that Fred Dekker talked about Weller coming in person to meet with him to turn down the role for this very reason.

[@zimriel]

My first reaction to this title was "I know what happened to Weller, he's kicking @$$ on the Robocop game; WTF is happening to all of you who haven't played it yet"

[@dennisd4452]

I wish there was more movies to see him in. He was awesome in Monk the tv detective show.

[@noneofurbusiness5223]

@dennisd4452 Do you remember what episode of MONK Peter Weller was in? Thanks

[@jonesymeow9487]

Leviathan is one of my favorite movies.

[@przemysawpawlinski5536]

Guys, please. Where are those falling dollars and a great music theme from older episodes?

[@neiltaylor6645]

What about the episode of house md

[@ICEMAN99TURBO]

He was on Sons of Anarchy a few episodes...but I'm sure that was already stated.

[@bennygerow]

Truly an 80's icon, and he was still great in the Star Trek movie!

[@bryanqueensberry6215]

Wow I was born on my birthday too!

[@noneofurbusiness5223]

NAKED LUNCH - my favorite movie

[@sekaramochi]

Roman and Renaissance... Did he have an important input in Murphy's new suit x

[@abdulkhafidsulaymaan]

.. damn that Batman voice always did stand out to me..

[@victorgonzales9138]

Mr. Weller is an Icon!!

[@tjtarget2690]

Notification Squad!!! :D

[@JokersVsZombies]

Robocop ages like fine wine

[@MRC_5000]

man, didn't know how versatile of a human being he is. i was hoping for the movie "cat chaser" to pop up here, because i can't find it anywhere and just have very hazy memories from watching it 30 years ago. seemed kinda grimey neo noir-like. that one and "ivansxtc" i still have to hunt down.

[@JoBloOriginals]

My father was just talking to me about Cat Chaser funny enough.

[@MRC_5000]

@@JoBloOriginals well, i might just need to be patient. but from your video i already got three new 80s/90s movies i want to check out now.

[@JamesHaney]

No matter where he goes, there he is.🖖♾

[@MrBdiddypop]

Most actors don’t go to college let alone get a masters or doctorate. He’s fluent in a bunch of languages. This guys like the real life version of Buckeroo Bonsai.

[@CinemaBear]

Peter Weller makes bad movies watchable. I also love that he hosted the documentary for God of War. Remarkable talent

[@biguy617]

I met Peter at comic con.

[@TheKeyser94]

Weller didn't do the voice over in the game Robocop Rogue City? I think that certainly was his voice.

[@lambknot]

He was cool in 24 season 5

[@jimmymcfarland4184]

Shakedown is one kickass movie!

[@Raul_Gajadhar]

What the fuq happened to the lawsuit he filed against Orion pictures in the 90's concerning his hair not growing back after Robocop?

[@mikekz4489]

I started watching 24 when I read Peter Weller would be on there.

[@hennyverheij5969]

He did also played a great role at The Specialist, with Sylvester Stallone

[@This-country-sucks-4]

That mf is the realist dude out there. Constantly growing and evolving

[@airem5861]

What is the name of the movie that he appears shooting a helicopter

[@SSGTStryker]

Peter Weller is badass, Buckaroo Banzai is badass. Anything he portrays is badass. I’m definitely in the Peter Weller/Buckaroo Banzai cult.

[@DarklyBishop]

Can't believe you skipped over Screamers

[@nowistime8070]

I loved him in Naked Lunch

[@unrealdevon]

He is so god damn freaking awesome!!! 🥰

[@23RedTechno]

He is truly a grand master of knowledge ♠🎺🎨🎨♟🍷

[@YumanoidPontifex]

legend.

[@therealknapster]

He became head of starfleet

[@damaniqphillip2756]

Wow

[@cadillacdeville5828]

He always reminded me of Ed Harris ....❤

[@Jetsetbob3]

Sometimes I confuse the two, like when I first though that the Westworld's man in black was played by Peter Weller.

[@devinrice1632]

Could you guys please do wtf happened to john malkovich?

[@jmarx3943]

Seconded

[@fredricclack7137]

Naked 🥪 VCR!😮