Iconic Actors Almost Starred: The Almost Reality of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Have you ever wondered what the movie-going world would be like if certain legendary actors had decided to star in films that became iconic? This article explores two stories from the golden age of cinema, when famous names almost went into films that would go on to become groundbreaking and timeless classics!

Warner Hertzog’s Fitzcarraldo

Small but impactful are moments in the making of a film that could change its direction. Take, for example, the original plan for Fitzcarraldo directed by Werner Herzog. In the ambitious outfit of auditory and visual spectacle, the film was set to star the renowned actors Jason Robards and Mick Jagger. However, history took an unexpected turn when both actors dropped out due to the harsh conditions of filming and the arduous logistics involved. The outcomes of these decisions could have been different, possibly altering the course of a classic from getting made or becoming the gripping tale of ambition, perseverance, and exploratory filmmaking that it is today.

Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid

Another fascinating tale involving famous cast members is that of Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid. This seminal Western was based on a script by William Goldman and was being actively pursued by 20th Century Fox, with the intention of casting two of the most sought-after actors of the time: Marlon Brando and Paul Newman. However, the circumstances of the late 1960s brought challenges to their collaboration, ultimately leading to changes in the production and resulting in a different dynamic for the film as we know it.

Hollywood Burning

By the late 1960s, Marlon Brando, a figure of immense appeal and critical acclaim, was experiencing a challenging period. Years of setbacks and personal struggles had taken their toll on him. Film afters have widely talked about his decline in personal and professional aspects. In interviews and interviews reported in the NY Daily News on 22 April 1968, Brando made it clear that his concerns for the state of the world and the political issues of the time were more pressing than the allure of acting. He emphasized the need to address these issues first.

A Path Not Taken

Due to this, Brando’s decision was not a casual one. At the time, many actors were attending glamorous events such as cocktail parties and premieres. Brando, on the other hand, was attending funerals for prominent figures from the Black Panther Party, highlighting his deep political commitments and alignment with causes beyond Hollywood. This dedication to social and political issues was an intrinsic part of who he was.

The Star Power That Shined Through

Following Brando’s inaction, Paul Newman, his longtime friend, stepped up to the plate. Initially, the idea was for Newman to play the Sundance Kid while Brando played Butch Cassidy. However, Fox needed a commitment quickly. They shifted Newman to the role of Butch Cassidy and finally brought in Robert Redford for the Sundance Kid role. This shift contributed to the role dynamics and the film's final direction, but it also speaks to the flexibility and adaptability required in successful filmmaking.

The Legacy of "Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid"

The film, with a final US gross of over $100 million, became the top-grossing film released in 1969. Its enduring appeal and critical success have only grown over time. In 2003, the Library of Congress selected Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid for the National Film Registry as one of the greatest American films of all time. The film was also recognized for its political significance and cultural impact, being ranked as the 20th-greatest hero on the American Film Institute’s list of its 50 greatest heroes and villians, and the 7th-greatest Western ever made in the AFIs 10 Top 10 List of 2008.

These near-misses in casting are significant to both the films and the actors involved. They offer countless "what-ifs" and "if-onlys" that paint vivid pictures of history. The stories of Jason Robards, Mick Jagger, Paul Newman, and Marlon Brando, alongside the creation of Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, highlight the intricate ballet of fame, ambition, and the whims of fate that shape the landscape of cinema.