Jessica Lange made her stunning film debut in the 1976 remake of King Kong, portraying aspiring actress Dwan, a young woman who survives a shipwreck and is discovered drifting in the ocean. Her character is taken aboard the Petrox Explorer, a research ship heading to a mysterious, uncharted island in search of oil. Dwanโs wide-eyed innocence and beauty quickly captivate the crewโespecially the giant ape they soon encounter in the jungle.
Once they arrive on the island, the natives kidnap Dwan and offer her as a sacrifice to Kong, the colossal gorilla who rules the island. To everyone’s shock, Kong doesnโt harm her. Instead, he becomes infatuated with her, treating her with surprising gentleness. Jessica Langeโs performance captures a mix of terror, compassion, and fascination as Dwan develops a strange bond with the beast who sees her as both a treasure and a companion.
The story escalates when the crew captures Kong and brings him back to New York as a public spectacle. Dwan, now thrust into fame, is torn between her new celebrity status and her emotional connection to Kong. As the beast breaks free and goes on a rampage to find her, the film moves toward its tragic climax atop the World Trade Center, echoing the classic imagery from the 1933 original.
Jessica Langeโs portrayal was both glamorous and vulnerable, launching her career in Hollywood. Despite initial mixed reactions, her performance is now remembered for bringing a unique humanity and emotion to a film dominated by spectacle and adventure. Her role in King Kong established her as a rising star in the late 1970s.
Today, King Kong (1976) is seen as a cult classic, and Langeโs portrayal of Dwan remains a significant part of her legacy, blending old-school Hollywood charm with the emotional depth she would become known for in later roles.
