The Exciting Life of 80s Icon Bo Derek

Bo was originally attached to star in the adventure film High Road to China, a story set during the 1920s that eventually featured Tom Selleck and Bess Armstrong. The project could have allowed her to appear in a large commercial production away from John’s direct supervision.

However, Bo withdrew after the studio refused to hire John as director. The decision showed how completely her acting career had become tied to their marriage and creative partnership. Instead of joining a studio adventure with another filmmaker, she moved toward a project John could control himself, one involving Tarzan, dangerous animals, and intense controversy.