Before his rise to superstardom, Burt Reynolds was still searching for that one breakout role that would catapult him to the top of Hollywood’s leading men. His early career had already shown promise with a strong television presence, especially his 50-episode run on Gunsmoke. Yet, as the 1960s ended, Reynolds was determined to find a film role that matched his charisma and ambition. That opportunity seemed to arrive when he was offered the role of Trapper John McIntyre in Robert Altman’s M*A*S*H. According to Yahoo! Entertainment, Reynolds turned it down in favor of another project that would later become one of his biggest regrets.
Reynolds chose to star in Skullduggery, an unusual adventure film that critics quickly dismissed. The movie followed explorers who discovered a mysterious group believed to be the missing link between apes and humans. Although the premise sounded bold, the film failed both critically and commercially. For Reynolds, the experience served as a turning point—a humbling reminder that even rising stars can misjudge a script.
Burt Reynolds And The Missed Opportunity Of ‘MAS*H’
When Burt Reynolds passed on M*A*S*H, he unknowingly stepped away from one of the biggest hits of 1970. The movie became a cultural landmark and launched Elliot Gould into stardom. Reynolds later admitted he didn’t recognize the film’s potential at the time. It showed how unpredictable Hollywood success could be and how one decision could shape an entire career.
The setback made Reynolds rethink his choices. In later interviews, he called Skullduggery “badly directed” and “sloughed off.” He admired co-star Susan Clark’s performance but felt the production lacked vision. Determined to avoid another mistake, Reynolds became more selective with scripts—a decision that soon paid off.
From ‘Skullduggery’ To Stardom
After Skullduggery, Burt Reynolds learned to trust his instincts. He began choosing roles that reflected his bold personality and natural humor. His performance in Deliverance finally gave him the credibility he had long pursued, transforming him from a TV actor into one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
The misstep with Skullduggery ultimately strengthened his legacy. Reynolds’ ability to bounce back from failure showed his resilience and charm—qualities that defined his long career. Looking back, it’s clear that every choice, even the wrong one, helped shape the unforgettable story of Burt Reynolds.