Movies

John Wayne’s Blazing Saddles Rejection Saved the Movie

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Contrary to belief, John Wayne‘s refusal to star in Mel Brooks’ Western spoof “Blazing Saddles” unexpectedly bolstered the film. While John Wayne did occasionally insert humor into his Western films, he was not particularly renowned for his comedic acting. Despite some of his lesser-known movies like “The Quiet Man” being comedies, John Wayne’s serious, unyielding on-screen character was what truly elevated him to fame and is a consistent trait in many of his memorable roles.

It wasn’t surprising that John Wayne declined Stanley Kubrick’s offer for Dr. Strangelove immediately after being asked to portray Major Kong, given the film’s anarchic anti-war satire contradicted Wayne’s strong patriotic views. As Terry Southern, the screenwriter, admitted in an interview with Lee Hill (collected in Backstory 3: Interviews with Screenwriters of the 60s by Pat McGilligan), another actor’s representatives rejected the script as “too liberal.

Gene Wilder Was A Huge Reason Why Blazing Saddles Worked

Wilder’s Unique Comedic Performance Elevated Brooks’ Iconic Comedy Western

It’s even more surprising that despite becoming the iconic Western parody film, John Wayne refused a leading role in 1974’s Blazing Saddles. Fresh from the triumph of The Producers, director Mel Brooks sought “authenticity” when casting the parody. As he shared with Indiewire, “I wanted the Waco Kid to genuinely be a Western movie actor so that he would bring an authentic feel to the film.” Upon chance encounter in a studio café, Brooks presented the project to Wayne on the spot.

As a devotee of “The Producers,” Wayne exhibited enough curiosity to request the script. However, he declined the part, informing Brooks it was “Too gritty” for him. Yet, he promised the director that he’d be among the first to watch the completed movie once it was released. Interestingly, John Wayne, who is second only to Clint Eastwood in the pantheon of Western film stars, making the decision to turn down the role proved beneficial. The actor chosen for the Waco Kid instead brought a distinctive comedic flair to the character that was worlds away from Wayne’s usual performances.

As a film critic, I had the pleasure of witnessing Gene Wilder’s transformation from a comedic chameleon in productions like “The Producers,” “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask),” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” into the unforgettable, tipsy gunslinger known as The Waco Kid. Initially, Wilder wasn’t the first pick for this role; it was only when Dan Dailey stepped down and Gig Young became indisposed that he got his chance. Yet, once given the opportunity, Wilder infused the Waco Kid with a whimsical, enchanting charm that made the eccentric, unconventional antihero an instant hit in the realm of comedy protagonists.

John Wayne Would Have Changed Blazing Saddles’ Main Dynamic

Wayne’s Stoic Screen Persona Wouldn’t Have Fit With Blazing Saddles

In the film, it was Wilder who brought humor to his portrayal of the Waco Kid, with Cleavon Little’s Sheriff Bart serving as the straight man in contrast. However, if Wayne had been cast as the lead, he likely would have played the role of the Waco Kid very seriously due to his typical straightforward style, even in his comedic roles. This shift might have made Sheriff Bart more comedic, potentially disrupting the overall narrative of the movie.

In my opinion, what truly elevates “Blazing Saddles” to an iconic level among Western parodies is Mel Brooks’ clever use of Bart’s frequent, witty comments and his understated responses to the chaos unfolding around him. In this despicable, lawless Wild West teeming with prejudice, Bart often appears as the lone voice of reason.

Had Wayne taken on the role of the Waco Kid, the dynamic would have been disrupted, forcing Bart to become more of a comic relief character. Fortunately, Wayne declined the part, which turned out to be a fortunate turn of events for the overall tone of Brooks’ masterpiece. As a movie reviewer, I can confidently say that this decision allowed Bart’s nuanced performance to shine and helped maintain the film’s satirical edge.

Casting John Wayne Would’ve At Least Suited Blazing Saddles’ Meta Ending

Wayne Playing The Waco Kid Would Have Fit Brooks’ Madcap Finale

To put it simply, some critics might argue that a stronger presence from Wayne could have elevated one significant aspect of Blazing Saddles. In an incredibly unusual ending, the film concludes with the principal characters exiting the movie’s set and venturing into the Warner Bros studio backlot. They proceed to engage in a fight that spans across the studio lot and the town of Burbank, only to ultimately return to the movie world by attending the premiere of Blazing Saddles itself.

This twist is exceptionally effective due to the over-the-top silliness of the joke, reminiscent of the most imaginative moments from classic Looney Tunes. However, if Blazing Saddles were one of John Wayne’s actual Western films, the joke would be even more effective because he was such a well-known figure in real life. Having The Waco Kid mistaken for John Wayne when entering the real world would have made the ending even stronger, although Blazing Saddles worked just as well with Wilder playing the role originally intended for John Wayne.

Indiewire

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2025-04-27 21:41

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