He wasn't just big. He was Fezzik. When most people think of the giant from Princess Bride, they immediately see that massive, curly-haired frame and hear the rumbling, rhythmic voice of André the Giant. It’s been decades since the film hit theaters in 1987, yet the character remains this weirdly perfect anchor for the whole story. Why? Because he wasn't a monster. He was a guy who liked rhymes and worried about his friends. Honestly, that’s why we’re still talking about him while other 80s fantasy villains have faded into obscurity.
The Man Behind the Rhymes: André’s Real Legacy
You can’t talk about Fezzik without talking about André René Roussimoff. The casting wasn't just "find a tall guy." It was about finding someone who could embody the specific loneliness of being a giant. Director Rob Reiner famously waited for André because he knew no one else had that specific blend of intimidation and vulnerability. André was in constant pain during filming. His back was basically shot from years of pro wrestling, which is why, if you look closely, he’s often leaning on things. In the scene where Westley jumps on his back, they actually used a series of invisible wires to support Cary Elwes because André literally couldn’t hold his weight.
That physical reality bled into the performance. When Fezzik says, "It's not my fault I'm the biggest and the strongest," it feels heavy. It’s not a boast. It’s a confession.
The giant from Princess Bride represents something we don't see much in modern cinema: the "Gentle Giant" trope done with actual nuance. He’s part of a criminal trio, sure. He kidnaps a princess. But he does it because he’s terrified of being alone. Vizzini uses that fear like a weapon. It’s actually kinda dark when you think about it. Fezzik is a victim of his own dimensions, forced into a life of hired muscle because society—and his "friends"—don't know what else to do with a man who can move boulders.
Why the Rhyming Mattered
Fezzik’s penchant for rhyming wasn't just a gag. It was his coping mechanism. In the book by William Goldman (which you should absolutely read if you haven't), Fezzik’s backstory is way more detailed and, frankly, heart-wrenching. He was bullied. His parents forced him to fight. Rhyming was his way of keeping his mind busy, a tiny bit of creative joy in a life defined by physical violence.
"Anybody want a peanut?"
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That's the line everyone knows. But it’s the timing that makes it. It’s Fezzik trying to lighten the mood while Vizzini is having a literal meltdown. He’s the emotional glue of the trio. Without Fezzik, Vizzini and Inigo would have killed each other or just burned out within days. He’s the peacekeeper.
The Physicality of a Legend
Let’s get into the technical side of how they filmed the giant from Princess Bride. In 1987, you didn't have CGI to fix scale issues. You had forced perspective and very big sets. But with André, they didn't need much help. Standing at 7'4" and weighing over 500 pounds, he naturally dwarfed the cast.
However, his health was a major hurdle. For the scene where he carries Buttercup, Inigo, and Vizzini up the Cliffs of Insanity, he was actually on a winch system. He wasn't climbing. He couldn't. His body was breaking down from acromegaly, the very condition that made him a "giant." There’s a bittersweet irony there. The very thing that made him a global icon was the thing that made it hard for him to walk across a movie set.
The Dread Pirate Roberts Fight
The wrestling match between Westley (The Dread Pirate Roberts) and Fezzik is a masterclass in fight choreography. It’s not about gore. It’s about styles. Fezzik fights with "the strength of many," while Westley fights with speed.
- Westley uses a sleeper hold.
- Fezzik tries to use his weight.
- The environment becomes a character.
What’s interesting is that Fezzik fights "fair." He waits for Westley to be ready. He doesn't use a rock when Westley doesn't have one. That tells you everything you need to know about his character. He’s a sportsman trapped in a villain's script.
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Beyond the Screen: The Bond with the Cast
The stories from the set are legendary. André couldn't fit into standard trailers. He had a custom-made chair because he’d break the wooden ones used by other actors. But more than that, he was the heart of the production. He would famously "warm" the actors' heads by placing his massive hands over them during cold night shoots in Derbyshire.
Cary Elwes wrote a whole book, As You Wish, where he talks about how André would essentially "protect" the smaller actors. He was a protector by nature. This translates directly into the third act of the film, where Fezzik finds the horses, helps storm the castle, and eventually saves the day. He transitions from a reluctant antagonist to a hero without ever changing his personality. He’s still the same guy; he just finally has a leader (Westley) who respects him instead of belittling him.
What Most People Get Wrong About Fezzik
A lot of fans think Fezzik is "slow" or unintelligent. That’s a total misconception. He’s actually quite observant. He’s the first one to realize things are going south. He’s the one who remembers where the horses are. He’s the one who navigates the social dynamics between the hot-headed Inigo and the arrogant Vizzini.
His "slowness" is actually just deliberation. He’s a giant in a world built for people half his size; he has to move carefully so he doesn't break everything. That applies to his speech and his thoughts, too. He’s precise.
The Inigo Montoya Connection
The bromance between Inigo and the giant from Princess Bride is the true love story of the movie. Sorry, Westley and Buttercup, but the bond between the failed swordsman and the lonely giant is much more grounded.
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When Inigo is at his lowest—drunk, depressed, and hopeless in the Thieves Forest—Fezzik doesn't judge him. He takes care of him. He washes his face. He reminds him of his purpose. It’s a beautiful depiction of male friendship that was way ahead of its time. They complement each other’s weaknesses. Inigo provides the direction, and Fezzik provides the stability.
Why We Still Need Fezzik Today
In an era of gritty reboots and anti-heroes, Fezzik is a breath of fresh air. He’s a reminder that you can be powerful without being cruel. He’s a reminder that being "different" doesn't mean you have to be a monster.
If you're looking to revisit the magic of the giant from Princess Bride, don't just stop at the movie.
- Read the original 1973 novel by William Goldman. It's darker and gives Fezzik a much more tragic, beautiful arc.
- Watch the "making of" documentaries. Seeing the real André interact with Billy Crystal and Robin Wright is pure joy.
- Pay attention to the background actors. You can see how genuinely tiny they look next to him, which highlights the incredible practical effects of the era.
Fezzik wasn't just a character; he was the soul of the film. He taught us that even if you're big enough to crush a man's skull, you should probably just offer him a peanut instead. That’s a lesson that doesn't age.
Basically, we should all strive to be a bit more like Fezzik. Loyal, thoughtful, and always ready with a rhyme when the world gets too serious. Honestly, he's the hero we probably didn't deserve, but definitely needed.
Your Next Steps for a Princess Bride Deep-Dive
- Check out the Criterion Collection: They released a 4K restoration that makes the colors of the Fire Swamp and the Cliffs of Insanity pop like never before.
- Read "As You Wish" by Cary Elwes: It’s the definitive behind-the-scenes account and contains some of the most moving stories about André's final years.
- Host a "Quote-Along": Get a group together. If someone doesn't say "Inconceivable" or "Anybody want a peanut," are they even your friends?
The legacy of the giant from Princess Bride lives on not because of his size, but because of the size of the heart André put into the role.