Clint Eastwood’s entry into massive box office success may catch fans off guard, as his top-grossing film is not one of his famous Westerns, nor is it part of his celebrated directorial ventures. Instead, his greatest Clint Eastwood box office success came from a unique buddy comedy that contrasted sharply with his more typical tough-guy roles.
Unexpected Box Office Triumph Beyond Westerns and Police Dramas
Although Eastwood built his reputation with Westerns like those from the 1960s and 70s, and later earned acclaim as a director with multiple Oscar nominations, his most commercially successful movie went in a very different direction. The film that topped his career earnings was neither a Western nor part of the iconic Dirty Harry detective franchise, which itself was Eastwood’s biggest series in terms of recurring characters and popularity. Instead, Eastwood found box office magic by starring alongside a scene-stealing orangutan.
That film, “Every Which Way but Loose,” was released in 1978 and presented Eastwood as Philo Beddoe, a laid-back California truck driver. Philo shares his home with Clyde, his orangutan companion, and moonlights as a bare-knuckle brawler to supplement his income. While Eastwood led the storyline, it was Clyde—played by the orangutan Manis—who captured much of the audience’s affection, cementing the movie as a true buddy comedy.
The chemistry between Eastwood and Manis contributed heavily to its surprise mainstream appeal, as audiences responded enthusiastically to their comedic partnership. Although many fans came expecting Eastwood’s gritty Western or action persona, “Every Which Way but Loose” quickly grew into an unexpected blockbuster.
Breaking Down the Numbers: A Record-Breaking Hit
Backed by a modest budget of $5 million at the time, “Every Which Way but Loose” defied expectations at the box office, ultimately grossing $104.3 million upon its original release. The commercial success is even more impressive when adjusted for inflation: the film’s total worldwide take soars to $504.1 million, with the adjusted budget coming to $24.1 million. This revenue far outpaces any other title on Eastwood’s resume—including his acclaimed directorial projects and the entire Dirty Harry collection. For comparison, the most lucrative Dirty Harry installment, “Magnum Force,” garnered just $284 million when adjusted for inflation, highlighting the exceptional popularity of “Every Which Way but Loose.”
The movie’s blend of action, humor, and an unexpectedly charismatic non-human co-star attracted a broad audience, making it Eastwood’s career-defining box office achievement. A sequel followed, though a different orangutan took over as Clyde due to Manis outgrowing the physical demands of the role. While the sequel maintained some commercial momentum, nothing matched the impact of the original film.
Eastwood’s Unique Rapport with His Primate Co-Star
While “Every Which Way but Loose” marked a departure from his typical action or Western roles, Eastwood embraced the change, developing a close bond with his orangutan co-star. He affectionately referred to Clyde as a “big baby,” and embraced the comedic aspects of their on-screen relationship. In various interviews, Eastwood made his fondness for working with an animal partner clear, often highlighting the experience as both memorable and enjoyable compared to some human collaborations.
“At first […] people advised me against it because orangutans are supposed to be tremendously strong, which they are, and it’s a wild animal,”
Eastwood explained. However, he then went on to say that Manis was a big baby and if he gave him half a beer that he’s as loose as anything around. Of course, that last statement is controversial. – Clint Eastwood, Actor
The joking remarks about Manis threw some controversy into the mix. Animal rights groups, notably PETA, later raised concerns regarding the treatment of Manis, alleging mistreatment during filming of “Every Which Way but Loose.” However, no conclusive proof supporting these claims surfaced. Some sources, such as the book “Visions of Caliban” by Dale Peterson and Jane Goodall, suggested that the criticism may have been directed at the sequel, where a different orangutan named Buddha inherited the role. The book alleged abuses by the animal’s trainer, though these accounts have been met with disputes and lack substantiating evidence.
Longstanding Attempts to Revive the Classic
Despite the extraordinary financial performance and enduring popularity of “Every Which Way but Loose,” Hollywood has yet to deliver a remake of Eastwood’s comedic hit. Since as early as 2017, film executives and creatives have considered reviving the property for modern audiences. James Fargo, who directed the original, expressed active interest in bringing the story back to the big screen, collaborating with Anthony Cohen as a potential director. According to industry sources, Fargo interviewed multiple candidates before settling on Cohen, basing his decision on Cohen’s previous directorial work.
“I have been interviewing directors for over a year and as soon as I watched Cohen’s film The Sex Trip … I knew instantly he was the right director for this picture.”
– James Fargo, Director
Although the initial film was criticized by some reviewers, its overwhelming box office and subsequent cult status, particularly among Eastwood followers, have sustained a desire to revisit the title. Despite Fargo’s enthusiasm, questions remain about whether Eastwood would ever be open to even a cameo role in the revival.
Modern sensitivities and animal welfare requirements pose additional challenges for would-be filmmakers hoping to replicate the original’s tone and comedic dynamic. The 2024 movie “Brothers” with Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage, which also involved an orangutan for comic effect, demonstrates that the genre still piques interest. However, as of yet, there has been no substantial progress or news about an official remake, and with Fargo reaching an advanced age and being away from moviemaking since 2011, chances for a faithful continuation grow increasingly slim.
Clint Eastwood’s unconventional path to his biggest box office victory with “Every Which Way but Loose” underscores the unpredictability of audience preferences and the actor’s willingness to defy typecasting. The film’s legacy as a mainstream favorite, despite industry skepticism, continues to hold a unique place in cinematic history and the actor’s legendary career.
