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Barry Diller Reveals Cocaine Scandal Behind 'Popeye' Film

5/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Barry Diller, ex-CEO of Paramount Pictures, spilled shocking secrets during his book tour, claiming the 1980 film "Popeye" was infamous for rampant drug use on set. He recalled it as the "most coked-up film set" he had ever seen, revealing that film cans were cleverly repurposed to smuggle cocaine while filming in Malta, with stars Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall in the mix.

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Story summary

Barry Diller, ex-CEO of Paramount Pictures, spilled shocking secrets during his book tour, claiming the 1980 film "Popeye" was infamous for rampant drug use on set. He recalled it as the "most coked-up film set" he had ever seen, revealing that film cans were cleverly repurposed to smuggle cocaine while filming in Malta, with stars Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall in the mix.