Burt Reynolds, with his towering influence in Hollywood, boasts a remarkable career punctuated by numerous accolades and a legacy etched in cinematic history. His journey in the industry saw him gracing the screens with unforgettable performances, earning him accolades and nominations aplenty, including an Academy Award. Reynolds’ star power soared, making him one of the very few to dominate Quigley’s prestigious Top Ten Money-Making Stars poll for five consecutive years. Yet, amidst his glittering success lies a trail of regret over roles that slipped through his fingers, roles that could have further cemented his place in cinematic lore.
One such missed opportunity was the chance to embody Michael Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic masterpiece, “The Godfather.” Despite the offer, Reynolds found himself at odds with Marlon Brando, whose refusal to work alongside him ultimately cost Reynolds the role. Similarly, the opportunity to pilot the Millennium Falcon as Han Solo in “Star Wars” was presented to Reynolds, only to be declined due to his aversion to science fiction. The role eventually went to Harrison Ford, launching him into cinematic stardom.
Reynolds’ decisions weren’t solely influenced by genre preferences; his patriotism led him to decline the role of James Bond, believing that an American couldn’t do justice to the quintessentially British character. Additionally, the chance to portray Edward Lewis in “Pretty Woman” slipped away, with Reynolds unable to envision himself in the role opposite Julia Roberts. These decisions, though reasoned at the time, left Reynolds pondering over what could have been, especially witnessing the soaring success of the films and characters he turned down.
Michael Corleone – The Godfather: From his early days in Hollywood, Reynolds exuded an aura reminiscent of the iconic Marlon Brando, drawing comparisons that both aided and hindered his ascent in the industry. In a twist of fate, this resemblance cost Reynolds a pivotal opportunity when Francis Ford Coppola offered him the role of Michael Corleone in “The Godfather.” Despite Coppola’s vision for Reynolds to lead the legendary crime saga, Brando’s staunch refusal to work alongside his doppelgänger sealed Reynolds’ fate, leaving the role to be immortalized by Al Pacino.
Han Solo – Star Wars: In a galaxy far, far away, George Lucas envisioned Reynolds as the swashbuckling captain of the Millennium Falcon, Han Solo. However, Reynolds’ aversion to science fiction led him to decline the opportunity, a decision that reverberates through cinematic history as Harrison Ford soared to intergalactic fame in the iconic role.
James Bond: With suave sophistication and rugged charm, Reynolds embodied the quintessential leading man. Thus, it came as no surprise when he was offered the coveted role of James Bond, the debonair British secret agent. However, Reynolds’ unwavering patriotism led him to decline the role, believing that an American couldn’t authentically portray the iconic character.
Edward Lewis – Pretty Woman: Reynolds’ illustrious career was punctuated by a myriad of memorable roles, but none perhaps as regrettable as his decision to pass on portraying Edward Lewis in the romantic comedy “Pretty Woman.” Opposite Julia Roberts’ endearing portrayal of a vivacious prostitute, Reynolds’ refusal stemmed from an inability to envision himself in the role, a decision he later lamented as a missed opportunity.
Garrett Breedlove – Terms of Endearment: Tailored for Reynolds, the role of Garrett Breedlove in “Terms of Endearment” held the promise of critical acclaim and accolades. Yet, Reynolds’ hesitation led him to decline the role, unwittingly paving the way for Jack Nicholson’s Academy Award-winning performance. As Nicholson charmed audiences with his portrayal, Reynolds looked on, rueful of what could have been.
Jack Horner – Boogie Nights: In Paul Thomas Anderson’s cinematic opus “Boogie Nights,” Reynolds was offered the role of Jack Horner, a pornographic filmmaker navigating the seedy underbelly of the adult film industry. Despite initial reservations, Reynolds eventually accepted the role, earning widespread acclaim for his performance and garnering his lone Academy Award nomination.
Guy Woodhouse – Rosemary’s Baby: In Roman Polanski’s chilling masterpiece “Rosemary’s Baby,” Reynolds was offered the role of Guy Woodhouse, the enigmatic husband entangled in a web of sinister forces. However, for reasons undisclosed, Reynolds chose to forgo the opportunity, leaving the role to be immortalized by another actor. The specifics surrounding Reynolds’ decision remain shrouded in mystery.
Rocky Balboa: Stallone’s iconic portrayal of the underdog boxer Rocky Balboa is synonymous with cinematic history, but the role almost belonged to Reynolds. Initially approached to play the Italian Stallion, Reynolds declined, paving the way for Stallone to etch his name in the annals of Hollywood with an unforgettable performance.
Travis Bickle – Taxi Driver: Martin Scorsese’s seminal masterpiece “Taxi Driver” offered Reynolds the chance to embody the morally ambiguous protagonist, Travis Bickle. However, Reynolds’ reluctance to delve into the complexities of the character led him to decline the role, allowing Robert De Niro to deliver a tour de force performance that captivated audiences and critics alike.
John McClane – Die Hard: The iconic role of John McClane, the wisecracking and resourceful NYPD detective, was reportedly offered to Reynolds before Bruce Willis solidified his place in action movie lore. While the details surrounding Reynolds’ decision remain murky, his reluctance to embrace the role left audiences forever associating McClane with Willis’ rugged charm.
Randall McMurphy – One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest: In Milos Forman’s seminal adaptation of Ken Kesey’s novel, Reynolds was purportedly considered for the role of Randall McMurphy, the rebellious patient who challenges authority in a psychiatric hospital. However, whether by choice or circumstance, Reynolds’ absence paved the way for Jack Nicholson to deliver an iconic performance that resonates through cinematic history.
Despite his storied career, there were instances where Reynolds passed on roles that would have further solidified his status as an acting powerhouse. The role of Garrett Breedlove in “Terms of Endearment” was not only tailored for Reynolds but also earned Jack Nicholson an Academy Award. Similarly, Reynolds’ reluctance to embrace the role of Jack Horner in “Boogie Nights” nearly deprived audiences of his captivating performance, a decision he nearly made seven times before finally accepting.
While some decisions were made with conviction, others left Reynolds reflecting on what could have been. The allure of cinematic immortality beckoned with roles like Rocky Balboa, Travis Bickle, and John McClane, all of which Reynolds reportedly declined, leaving audiences to forever associate those characters with other esteemed actors. Despite these regrets, Reynolds’ indelible mark on Hollywood remains undeniable, a testament to his talent and enduring legacy in the annals of cinema.
