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Stories

The Country Music Star Burt Reynolds Wanted To Appear In ‘Smokey And The Bandit’

by Lauren Novak

Published March 4, 2022

Burt Reynolds wanted Merle Haggard in Smokey and the Bandit

When Burt Reynolds was working on the cast for Smokey and the Bandit, there was one country music star that he wanted to cast! Burt wanted legend Merle Haggard to play “The Snowman” in the film. Ultimately, the role ended up being played by Jerry Reed. So, why didn’t Merle end up being cast in the film?

Turns out that Burt rubbed Merle the wrong way during an NBC special. After being a popular guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Burt got his own special. In 1973, his special was filmed at the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. Burt admired Merle and knew that he was an ex-convict, so he asked him to appear in the special. Merle ended up saving the day after Burt did something people didn’t like.

Related:

  1. New Burt Reynolds Sculpture At His Grave Site Honors ‘Smokey And The Bandit’
  2. WATCH: Burt Reynolds’ Bandit Dodge Ram Commercial From The ’90s

Why Merle Haggard wouldn’t appear in ‘Smokey and the Bandit’

SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT PART 3, Jerry Reed, 1983
SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT PART 3, Jerry Reed, 1983. ph: © Universal Pictures / courtesy Everett Collection

After the special, Burt offered Merle the role in Smokey and the Bandit. Merle once shared, “He offered it to me the night after we did Fort Leavenworth. What happened [there] was kind of sideways with me. Reynolds went [onstage] and wiggled his ass at the convicts. They started whistlin’ and booin’ at the same time.”

RELATED: New Burt Reynolds Sculpture At His Grave Site Honors ‘Smokey And The Bandit’

SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT, Burt Reynolds, 1977
SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT, Burt Reynolds, 1977 / Everett Collection

He added, “I don’t know why he did that and they were ready to eat him alive … When I came out they gave me a standing ovation. So I never even replied to the offer on the films.”

Merle Haggard visiting the cell he lived in for almost three years at San Quentin Penitentiary
Merle Haggard visiting the cell he lived in for almost three years at San Quentin Penitentiary / Everett Collection

Eventually, the film was made in 1977 and became one of the highest-grossing films in 1977, right next to Star Wars. Do you think Merle would have been good as “The Snowman” or are you happy with the casting choices that were made?

RELATED: Looking Back On When Merle Haggard Was On ‘The Waltons’

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