Long before he became a ’70s and ’80s heartthrob, screen legend Burt Reynolds made a pivotal career choice, opting for the critical flop Skullduggery over the iconic role of Trapper John in Robert Altman’s groundbreaking 1970 film M*A*S*H, a decision he would candidly admit was a major misstep that haunted him for decades.
For fans of classic cinema and television, the name Burt Reynolds evokes images of charismatic smiles, daring stunts, and an undeniable on-screen presence. A true icon of the 1970s and 1980s, Reynolds’ career was filled with highs and lows, but few decisions garnered as much introspection from the actor himself as his choice to turn down a starring role in the original 1970 film M*A*S*H.
The Missed Opportunity: Trapper John McIntyre
Reynolds was reportedly the top choice for the part of Trapper John McIntyre, the rebellious and wisecracking chest surgeon who became one of the film’s beloved ensemble characters. This role, eventually played by Elliott Gould in the film and later famously by Wayne Rogers in the long-running television series, was a pivotal part of the M*A*S*H phenomenon.
The film, directed by Robert Altman, was a brilliant, cynical, and deeply satirical commentary on the Korean War, understood by audiences as a sharp critique of the Vietnam War. Its success was immense, becoming the third-highest-grossing film of its year and spawning one of the most successful TV shows in history, which cemented the characters, including Trapper John and Donald Sutherland’s Hawkeye Pierce (later Alan Alda in the TV series), as household names for decades to come.
Choosing Skullduggery: A Career Miscalculation
Instead of joining the cast of M*A*S*H, Reynolds opted to star in an adventure film titled Skullduggery. At the time, it might have seemed like a more conventional star vehicle, blending adventure with courtroom drama as Reynolds’ character embarks on an expedition in New Guinea. However, this decision proved to be a significant miscalculation for the burgeoning star.
While M*A*S*H soared to critical acclaim and box office success, Skullduggery became a notorious critical and financial failure. Reynolds himself was quick to acknowledge his mistake, reflecting on it with his characteristic honesty in later interviews. In a 1976 interview with Gene Siskel, which SlashFilm recently resurfaced, he stated that while he initially liked the script, the film turned out to be “Badly directed” and “kind of sloughed off.” He even quipped, “Any time you have Pat Suzuki dressed as a small ape, I think you’re in trouble.”
A Pattern of Turning Down Iconic Roles
The decision to pass on M*A*S*H was not an isolated incident in Reynolds’ career; it was one of several massive roles he famously turned down throughout his time in Hollywood. He often spoke about these missed opportunities with a blend of humor and regret.
Some of the other legendary roles Reynolds declined include:
- Michael Corleone in The Godfather (a role that went to Al Pacino)
- Han Solo in the Star Wars films (eventually played by Harrison Ford)
- John McClane in Die Hard (made famous by Bruce Willis)
- James Bond (believing the public wouldn’t accept an American in the role, a decision he later called “stupid” to USA Today)
- Garrett Breedlove in 1983’s Terms of Endearment, a role that earned Jack Nicholson an Academy Award. Reynolds bluntly told People in 2015, “I was a fool” for passing on it.
These “what if” scenarios are a frequent topic of discussion among film enthusiasts, pondering how these choices might have reshaped cinematic history.
Finding Superstardom and Perspective
Despite these high-profile rejections and the misstep of Skullduggery, Reynolds’ career was nothing short of iconic. Just two years after the release of M*A*S*H, he found the role that cemented his superstardom: Lewis Medlock in 1972’s grueling thriller Deliverance.
From there, he dominated the 1970s and 1980s with a string of massive box-office hits. These included the action-comedy classics Smokey and the Bandit, the sports drama The Longest Yard, and the action film Hooper. His rugged charm and comedic timing made him one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
Reynolds, who passed away in September 2018 at the age of 82, often spoke about his career with remarkable candor and a positive outlook. In a 2018 interview with USA Today, just six months before his death, he reflected, “When you crash and burn, you have to pick yourself up and go on… And I’ve had a good time through it all.” This philosophy allowed him to keep his regrets in perspective, understanding that every decision, even the ones that seemed like mistakes, contributed to his unique and unforgettable legacy in film.
