Why Naomi Watts Didn’t Learn to Juggle for King Kong

Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates from Your Next Shoes. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more details.

When Naomi Watts was told she’d be dancing in Peter Jackson’s “King Kong,” she may not have realized that her juggling skills would be forever showcased in cinematic history.

Unfortunately, however, Naomi did not actually know how to juggle, and that’s why she is not juggling in the 2005 remake of King Kong.

Naomi Watts was the first choice for the role of Ann Darrow in the 2005 epic adventure fantasy monster film King KongNaomi Watts was the first choice for the role of Ann Darrow in the 2005 epic adventure fantasy monster film King Kong (Credit: Universal Studios / WENN)

After accepting her role, she was reassured that all of her juggling scenes would be created through computer-generated imagery (CGI).

In fact, Movie Mistakes has pointed out that Naomi’s fake juggling is quite noticeable.

They stated, “When Ann is juggling for Kong on the cliff edge, she starts juggling at one point. If you look closely, you can see that she is simply moving her hands, and the rocks have been added digitally. This is most obvious when she leans right back, and the rocks don’t match her hand movements at all.”

How Naomi Watts Landed Her Role in King Kong

Many people may not know this, but Naomi Watts was the only actress selected by Peter Jackson to take on the iconic role of Ann Darrow.

When asked about playing the famous character, Naomi described that she didn’t think she could have taken the role if someone like Peter Jackson hadn’t directed it.

Andy Serkis as Kong and Naomi Watts as Ann Darrow with Peter Jackson filming King KongAndy Serkis as Kong and Naomi Watts as Ann Darrow with Peter Jackson filming King Kong (Credit: Universal Studios / WENN)

She said she would have been concerned that it would have simply been an action film with a damsel in distress, making it just too much of an action movie for her liking.

When Naomi Watts met with Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Phillippa Boyens and heard them talk about the movie, she knew she had to sign on to play Ann. She realized the film would still be King Kong, but with several excellent new concepts.

Naomi Watts was 37 years old when King Kong was released on December 14, 2005Naomi Watts was 37 years old when King Kong was released on December 14, 2005 (Credit: Universal Studios / WENN)

In addition, the producers expressed that they wanted to revolutionize the female role into something more than simply a screaming beauty. Once Naomi learned of these changes, she realized that this was a fantastic opportunity to be a part of something special.

How King Kong Has Affected Watts’ Acting Career

Watts’ experience with “King Kong” has helped her acting career. Naomi believes that the fearlessness it took to do the movie has also made her less fearful in other projects. In King Kong, Naomi did some of her own stunts, including swinging around with the film’s dinosaurs.

When asked if she would be type-cast or only known for starring in this movie, Naomi said she was apprehensive about playing the part, which is so famous.

Naomi Watts was praised for her performance as Ann Darrow in King Kong and did not learn to juggle for the roleNaomi Watts was praised for her performance as Ann Darrow in King Kong and did not learn to juggle for the role (Credit: Universal Studios / WENN)

She also had reservations about what comparisons would be made between her and the other actresses who played the iconic character.

Naomi felt she had already done a lot of preparation and that perhaps it wouldn’t be her only appearance in people’s minds. She has since continued acting and doing various projects since then.

Conclusion

Naomi Watts will permanently be solidified in movie history as the actress who brought a heartfelt performance and an emotional connection to King Kong. When the film was released on December 14, 2005, she was 37 years old.

Naomi’s journey to being cast in King Kong was arduous, but Naomi Watts made it through. Although her juggling skills are not excellent, she portrayed an ambitious and determined actress with more to her than just her looks.

Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber during the premiere of King KongNaomi Watts and Liev Schreiber during the premiere of King Kong in New York City on December 5, 2005 (Credit: PNP / WENN)

In March 2016, Naomi Watts stood out in a sparkly number as she joined her co-stars at the red (or in this case, black) carpet premiere of “Allegiant” held at the AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 Theater in New York City.

Naomi Watts wears her blonde hair down at the New York premiere of "Allegiant"Naomi Watts wears her blonde hair down at the New York premiere of “Allegiant” held on March 14, 2016, at AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

The 21 Grams actress definitely knows how to make an entrance. She picked a fully sequined silver-and-black ensemble from Derek Lam’s Fall 2016 collection, which included a heavily embellished semi-sheer top with a high neck, a scalloped peplum detail, and long sleeves with a beaded black tea skirt.

Ansel Elgort, Naomi Watts, Theo James, Shailene Woodley, and Nadia Hilker attend the 'Allegiant' New York premiereAnsel Elgort, Naomi Watts, Theo James, Shailene Woodley, and Nadia Hilker attend the ‘Allegiant’ New York premiere (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

While this looked a bit heavy for spring, Naomi managed to pull it off well.

Naomi Watts wears a sparkling Derek Lam ensemble on the black carpetNaomi Watts wears a sparkling Derek Lam ensemble on the black carpet (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

She added further dazzle to the sophisticated, edgy look by accessorizing with a pair of Solange Azagury-Partridge chandelier earrings, a silver Lee Savage clutch, and a pair of black-and-silver heels.

Naomi Watts wears a silver and black Derek Lam look at the premiere of "Allegiant"Naomi Watts wears a silver and black Derek Lam look at the premiere of “Allegiant” (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

The Gypsy actress styled her blonde tresses in loose waves with a side part and wore mascara and a swipe of pink lipstick to glam up the look further.

Naomi Watts dazzles in a Derek Lam ensembleNaomi Watts dazzles in a Derek Lam ensemble (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Naomi tied her look together with a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti sandals in a silver-and-black combination.

Naomi Watts's feet in silver-and-black Giuseppe Zanotti sandalsNaomi Watts’s feet in silver-and-black Giuseppe Zanotti sandals (Credit: WENN)

They are made of metallic calfskin leather with black patent toe bands and feature buckled ankle-wrap straps, open toes, and 4.5-inch metal pin heels.

Naomi Watts's feet in leather Giuseppe Zanotti sandalsNaomi Watts’s feet in leather Giuseppe Zanotti sandals (Credit: WENN)

These Giuseppe Zanotti sandals are available at Farfetch.

Giuseppe Zanotti Patent/Metallic Ankle-Wrap SandalsGiuseppe Zanotti Patent/Metallic Ankle-Wrap Sandals, $1,195