Burt Reynolds Turned Down MAS*H Role: Major Career Decision That Defined His Stardom October 13, 2025
The late Hollywood icon, Burt Reynolds, is trending again as fans and commentators reflect on a major career-defining choice he made in 1970: the moment Burt Reynolds Turned Down MAS*H Role of Trapper John McIntyre. That role, which went to Elliot Gould, was central to Robert Altman’s critically acclaimed and highly successful Korean War comedy, MASH*. Reynolds instead chose to star in the adventure flick, Skullduggery, a decision that he later admitted served as a significant “wake-up call” for his future film choices.
According to a recent Yahoo Entertainment report, the actor, who had gained considerable fame from his 50-episode run on the Western series Gunsmoke, was actively seeking a breakout film role. When the opportunity to join MASH* arose, Reynolds opted instead for Skullduggery, an unusual film centered on an expedition in New Guinea that discovers a “missing link” tribe called the Tropis. The plot eventually transforms into a courtroom drama to determine the humanity of the tribe.
Skullduggery was quickly panned by critics and failed commercially for Universal Pictures. Reynolds later reflected on the production, describing the film as “Badly directed,” and admitting he knew early on that the project was heading “south.” This misstep, however, was a significant turning point that compelled him to be more discerning about his roles.
The career adjustment came swiftly after the film’s failure. Reynolds quickly rebounded by starring in the popular crime film Fuzz, and notably took on the iconic role in 1972’s thriller Deliverance, a part originally considered for Marlon Brando. The success of Deliverance established Reynolds as a box-office giant throughout the remainder of the 1970s, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars. This narrative of rejecting a classic role only to pivot toward even greater stardom is what continues to capture public interest today.
While Burt Reynolds Turned Down MAH*S Role remains one of Hollywood’s great “what ifs,” the subsequent failure of Skullduggery ultimately pushed him toward the critical and commercial success that defined his legendary career. This historical reflection confirms why the story remains an important point of discussion for film enthusiasts.
