The Legacy of Bruce Willis as a Film and Television Producer

Bruce Willis, an acclaimed actor known for his roles in films such as “Die Hard,” never transitioned from acting to directing like some of his peers, including Kevin Costner and Denzel Washington. However, Willis has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry in his role as a producer. Among his notable works is the production of “Hostage” in 2005, and the 2002 film “The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course,” in collaboration with producing partner Arnold Rifkin under their banner, Cheyenne Enterprises.

One of Willis’s less celebrated projects was the 2004 television series “Touching Evil,” which has become difficult to find. Despite this, the series stands out as a remarkable piece featuring a cast of actors who would later achieve significant mainstream success. Jeffrey Donovan, who played Detective David Creegan, went on to star in “Burn Notice“; Vera Farmiga, portraying detective Susan Branca, later achieved acclaim in “The Departed” and “Bates Motel“; and Bradley Cooper, appearing in a recurring role, became famous for his roles in “The Hangover” series and “A Star Is Born.”

“Touching Evil” is based on a British series and follows the story of Detective Creegan as he recovers from a gunshot wound to the head. The series embraces a noir aesthetic, with its suspenseful opening scene on the Golden Gate Bridge setting the tone. Despite its compelling narrative and talented cast, “Touching Evil” only lasted one season, largely because of its darker and more complex themes that did not align with the standard procedural dramas of its time.

Critics, including Gillian Flynn of Entertainment Weekly, praised “Touching Evil” for its unique blend of cop drama and surreal storytelling, drawing comparisons to “12 Monkeys” and “From Hell.” The creative team behind the show included distinguished filmmakers such as Allen Hughes, who directed the pilot and two additional episodes. Hughes, known for his work on films like “Menace II Society” and “Dead Presidents,” managed to infuse the series with a cinematic quality that was rarely seen in television productions of the era.

“Touching Evil” also explored themes of identity and morality through its characters, particularly Creegan, who questions his allegiance to law enforcement after his traumatic injury. This inner conflict reflects the broader narrative of the series, which navigates the blurred lines between good and evil. The show was described by Allen Hughes as a project he knew would be something “very special” from the moment he read the script.

Willis’s involvement in “Touching Evil” extended beyond producing, as he expressed interest in guest-starring on the series, a testament to his continued engagement with television—an industry where he began his career with “Moonlighting.” Although “Touching Evil” was premature in its audacious approach to storytelling, it remains a project that deserves renewed attention and appreciation today.