John Wayne’s Shocking Rejection: The #1 Western Comedy He Refused

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Despite finding the script of the 1974 comedy Western, “Blazing Saddles,” appealing, iconic actor John Wayne chose not to take part in the film. Known as a leading figure in the western and war genres during Hollywood’s Golden Age in the 20th century, John Wayne boasted an extensive career with over 170 movies across more than five decades. Some of his most notable films include “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” (1949), “The Searchers” (1956), and “True Grit” (1969), for which he received an Oscar for Best Actor, his only win in this category.

Across his long and varied acting career spanning five decades, John Wayne became particularly renowned for his roles in over 80 Western films, where he excelled as a rugged and captivating leading man. Frequently working with director John Ford, he appeared in various Westerns that ranged from action-packed tales like “The Fighting Kentuckian” (1949) to historical dramas such as “How the West Was Won” (1962). However, during the latter part of his career, John Wayne was presented with another Western role, but he chose to decline the offer, despite being drawn to the script.

Why John Wayne Turned Down Blazing Saddles

Wayne Felt That The Script Was “Too Dirty” For Him

1974 saw Mel Brooks debut his Western comedy masterpiece, “Blazing Saddles,” featuring Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder in lead roles. The story unfolds in the make-believe town of Rock Ridge, where a railroad worker named Bart (Little) is surprisingly appointed as sheriff by a crooked governor. Alongside an intoxicated gunslinger, Jim (Wilder), Bart embarks on a journey to resist the governor and validate his sheriff abilities. In a recent interview with IndieWire to celebrate the film’s 50th year milestone, Mel Brooks disclosed that he initially intended John Wayne for the role of Jim the Waco Kid.

In a different setting, here’s how the dialogue might be rephrased: “I was yearning for genuine authenticity. My dream was to find out if the Waco Kid was indeed a real Western movie star, as his presence would add an air of credibility to our film. While at the Warner Bros. café, I saw John Wayne sitting just a few tables away. I approached him and said, ‘Mr. Wayne.’ I wanted to discuss a movie I’d made called ‘Blazing Saddles,’ which is a comedy but has depth and emotion. There’s an excellent role in it that I believe you would be perfect for.” – Mel Brooks

During an interview, Brooks disclosed that he met John Wayne in a café and discussed with him about the part in “Blazing Saddles.” Impressed by Brooks’ work on “The Producers,” Wayne showed interest in the film and requested to review the script. Eventually, Brooks handed over the script, but after reading it for a day, Wayne declined the role, explaining that he found it too “raunchy” or “vulgar” for his audience. However, he promised to be the first to watch “Blazing Saddles.” (Source: Metro Philadelphia)

John Wayne Was Right To Turn Down Blazing Saddles

Wayne Wouldn’t Have Brought The Same Energy Levels As Gene Wilder

Initially met with a divided response upon its debut, “Blazing Saddles” has since earned recognition as one of the best Western comedies ever produced. This is largely due to its use of self-referential humor, compelling screenplay, memorable soundtrack, and the outstanding on-screen camaraderie between Cleavon Little (as Bart) and Gene Wilder (as Jim the Waco Kid). Originally offered the role of Jim, Wayne declined, leading Mel Brooks to cast Gig Young instead. However, due to Young’s struggles with alcohol, he was later replaced by Gene Wilder. Although John Wayne possessed the talent for “Blazing Saddles”, his decision to decline the film was indeed a wise one.

In the film “Blazing Saddles,” Jim, played by the Waco Kid, is shown as a wandering man who turned to drinking after an embarrassing encounter with a child, but eventually finds renewed purpose in life as Bart’s partner, assisting him in establishing himself as sheriff. Critics highly appreciated Gene Wilder’s performance due to his exaggerated delivery of lines and his knack for generating genuine laughter on screen, which contributed to “Blazing Saddles” being considered one of Gene Wilder’s finest films. Despite John Wayne’s acting prowess, it is doubted that he could have provided the same level of energy that made Wilder’s performance so captivating.

John Wayne Had Previously Proved He Could Be Funny In Movies

He Had Success In Comedies, Including North To Alaska & McLintock!

Throughout his career, John Wayne was primarily recognized for portraying stern, gun-toting outlaws in Westerns. However, he got opportunities to demonstrate his comedic and romantic talents in different films. Despite loving the Western genre, as mentioned in an interview with Roger Ebert, Wayne acknowledged the criticism about him being typecast. Fortunately, through hit movies like “The Quiet Man” (1952) and “McLintock!” (1963), where he collaborated frequently with co-star Maureen O’Hara, he demonstrated to audiences that he could convincingly play the endearing and romantic lead. Both Wayne and O’Hara received praise for their on-screen chemistry.

It could be said that one of John Wayne’s most amusing, yet possibly underestimated, films is the 1960 western comedy “North to Alaska,” in which he shared the screen with Stewart Granger. In this film, Wayne portrayed the character “Big” Sam McCord and received acclaim for his exaggerated and self-referential acting style. Although his comedic roles may not have reached the level of humor in Blazing Saddles, John Wayne demonstrates through “North to Alaska” and his extensive film career that he was proficient in comedy, romance, as well as drama.

Sources: IndieWire, Metro Philadelphia, The Mercury News, Roger Ebert

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2025-04-25 01:59