Film Star Willis’ Stakes Remain Substantial Despite Pullback

Movie star Bruce Willis may be decreasing his financial presence in Idaho, but he is not out.

Willis has $4.6 million of prime land for sale in the Wood River Valley and a $145,000 liquor license on the market in Boise. He also suddenly halted plans to spend $50 million to revamp his economically depressed hometown of Penns Grove, N.J.

But Willis is moving ahead with at least two big projects with all the speed one would expect from an actor whose career revolves around dodging bullets and bombs.

He plans to enlarge The Mint, the nightclub and pool hall that is the flagship of his Hailey-based Valley Entertainment Group. It calls for the demolition of the old Wood River Journal building. That will be reviewed by city planners.

Secondly and perhaps of greater long-term significance, the U.S. Forest Service is reviewing a proposal to build a new chairlift at Willis’ Soldier Mountain Ski Area near Fairfield.

“For Sale” signs remain on other property Willis holds in Ketchum, Hailey and Bellevue. The priciest, at $2.3 million, are the four downtown Ketchum lots including the Magic Lantern Cinema.