You think luck is when preparation meets opportunity—but sometimes, luck is just a phone call from someone who sees the potential in you before anyone else does. Naomi Watts’ big break wasn’t just a stroke of fortune, it was a turning point in her career, and, believe it or not, she owes a great deal of it to David Lynch, the late filmmaker whose movies dance in the shadowy corners of cinema (The Elephant Man, Blue Velvet). 

When Watts was teetering on the edge of doubt about taking on the role of Ann Darrow in King Kong (2005), it was Lynch’s words that made her leap. And, well, just like that, she jumped right into the palm of cinema history.

Let’s be clear—King Kong (2005) wasn’t just any blockbuster. It was the towering behemoth of its year, grossing over $556.9 million (Box Office Mojo) and cementing its place as one of Universal’s greatest successes.

Naomi Watts, in her portrayal of Ann Darrow, embodied the very soul of a woman who, despite her struggles, found herself caught in the wonder and horror of an epic tale. If ever there was a character that defined the star-making role, it was Ann Darrow, and Watts owned it with grace and depth.

Despite the larger-than-life story, it was David Lynch’s words that transformed what could’ve been another high-budget spectacle into a career-defining moment for Watts. As she struggled in the murky waters of uncertainty, Lynch’s call was her lighthouse, guiding her to shore.

His words weren’t just a casual pep talk—they were a crystal-clear prophecy, one that would unfold with the strength of a hundred skyscrapers.

Naomi, in her interview with W Magazine, recalled the moment when she called Lynch, uncertain of her next steps. With several potential roles on the table, she was battling the idea of being ‘boxed in’. To quote her:

And then King Kong came along and I thought, “Oh god another one.” So I call David and I’ll never forget what he said, “Naomi. Anyone who sits in the hand of King Kong will be a movie star for life.” That’s what he said. So I said okay.

The actor, who died at the age of 78 earlier this year, acknowledged the power of the role—and the career-defining moment that lay ahead. That phone call? It was the answer to her inner questioning. It was the gentle push that sent her soaring, one step closer to superstardom.

While Naomi Watts’ King Kong moment remains etched in film history, the King Kong franchise is not just lounging in the past—it’s about to roar once more. Disney+ is currently developing a live-action King Kong series, based on the 1933 film and incorporating more modern takes (via THR).

While many King Kong stories have intertwined with other cinematic universes (Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla vs. Kong), this Disney+ series will stand on its own. It’s like taking the long road instead of the shortcut, and that’s exactly what makes it exciting. This isn’t part of the Monsterverse; it’s a brand-new venture that will dig into the mythology of Kong’s home and the many secrets it holds.

Sometimes, all you need is the right group of people to bring something extraordinary to life. With James Wan (Aquaman) on board as an executive producer and Stephany Folsom writing the script, Disney+ is putting together a powerhouse team. These creatives have proven their ability to deliver top-tier entertainment, and now they’re taking on the daunting task of reimagining King Kong for a new era. 

King Kong has been a cinematic icon for decades, from the groundbreaking 1933 film to Peter Jackson’s 2005 remake. But what makes this new series stand out is that it’s not just about telling the same old story again. This is Disney+’s opportunity to explore Kong in ways we’ve never seen before.