While all fans know and love the ‘tough-as-nails’ character Mercy, few people know that Deborah Van Valkenburgh, the actress that portrayed her, was actually involved with what is largely considered the film’s ultimate heist. Widely known as Swan’s love interest, she goes on to follow the gang throughout their long, perilous journey home.
It is during this dangerous voyage that she is ultimately able to prove herself and her worth to the rest of the gang. But Valkenburgh unluckily and unexpectedly broke her wrist while on set and the makers of the film had to come up with a way to cover up this injury, and fast. If you watch the film you’ll notice they did so by covering her arm with her baggy clothing.
“Warriors, Come Out to Pla-yay!”
Combined, these very five words are widely known and regarded as the most famous line in all of "The Warriors" films. A line famously spoken by Luther (played by David Patrick Kelley) whilst clinking together glass bottles in his hand, this statement is one known by almost every fan of this iconic movie. But did you know that this line was actually improvised?
As the story goes, in this particular scene, Kelley knew he wanted his character to say something not only in an eerie manner but also taunting. As such, Kelley allegedly drew the inspiration for this legendary line from an experience in his childhood that involved one of his neighbors, who often terrifyingly chanted these very words at him as a child.
“The Warriors” vs. “The Wanderers”
During the filming of "The Warriors", there was actually another rival gang film in the works at the same time. Known by the very similar name of "The Wanderers", it was this very film that had the filmmakers under constant stress, working diligently and arduously around the clock, to ensure their film would be released before their competitors'.
The editors of "The Warriors" worked around the clock. Thankfully, the tireless work of the film’s post-production crew ultimately paid off. In February of 1979, "The Warriors" would make its first debut in theaters, beating out the release of their rival movie, "The Wanderers" (released in July of that same year) by five months.
Michael Beck’s Accidental, Unlikely Discovery
Though today Michael Beck is widely known and praised for his portrayal of Swan in the film, believe it or not, Beck was actually discovered by Walter Hill on a complete, accidental whim. According to accounts, during the filmmaker’s search for the perfect actor to play Swan, Hill stumbled upon Beck not during a casting call, but instead while watching the film "Madman".
As a result, Hill hastily invited him in for an audition for "The Warriors". Not long after, Beck was officially cast as Swan — a role that would later define and solidify his prominent career as a major Hollywood actor. From here, Beck would go on to secure a number of other big-time movie and television roles.
The Baseball Furies: A Real-Life Gang Reference
With their intimidating painted faces, baseball uniforms, and terrifying baseball bat weapons, the threatening presence of the 'Baseball Furies' in the film is one not soon forgotten. The appearance of this nightmarish group was based on a prominent gang that occupied uptown New York in the 1970s, known as 'Second Base.'
However, the 'Second Base' gang instead wore matching Letterman jackets, with the gang’s name etched onto the back. Paying homage to this real-life gang, when watching the film you may notice one particularly obvious Easter egg present in one scene in the movie, during which time the New York Boppers gang is informed that The Warriors are "on Second Base."