Why did Burt Reynolds really turn down “MAS*H”? The untold story behind his shocking decision

By the close of the 1960s, Burt Reynolds was standing at the edge of stardom — one foot still in the world of television, the other stepping toward the bright, uncertain lights of Hollywood cinema. He had already built a loyal audience thanks to his role as the brooding blacksmith Quint Asper on Gunsmoke, appearing in 50 episodes of the hit Western series. His rugged charm, easy smile, and magnetic confidence had producers convinced he was destined for leading-man glory.

But Hollywood’s golden paths are often lined with unexpected detours. For Reynolds, that detour came in the form of a curious film called Skullduggery — a project that, at first glance, seemed daring and cerebral but ultimately became a costly misfire. Ironically, it was this failure that shaped him into the megastar he would soon become.

The Fork in the Road

When Gunsmoke wrapped up for Reynolds, he found himself faced with a choice that could define his career. Director Robert Altman — known for his sharp, ensemble-driven storytelling — offered him the role of Trapper John McIntyre in MASH*, a satirical yet darkly emotional take on war. It was a strong script, one that would eventually turn into a cultural touchstone and a major box office hit in 1970.

Reynolds, however, passed on it. Instead, he signed on for Skullduggery, a high-concept adventure film that promised action, moral complexity, and a chance to prove himself as a serious actor.

He later admitted he thought Skullduggery would be the kind of movie that made people see him differently — not just as a handsome cowboy, but as a man capable of leading bold, intelligent stories.

A Film That Lost Its Way

Skullduggery began with ambition. The film, based on a French novel titled Les Animaux dénaturés, explored the story of a scientific expedition that discovers a mysterious tribe in New Guinea believed to be the missing link between humans and apes. What started as an exotic adventure quickly shifted into a courtroom debate about humanity, morality, and exploitation — a risky blend for 1970s audiences seeking escapism rather than existential questions.

Behind the camera, things went south quickly. The film lost its original director after a day of shooting. Gordon Douglas — a studio veteran more comfortable with formulaic storytelling — took over, and the project’s tone began to wobble. Reynolds would later describe it bluntly as “badly directed and impossible to sell.”

When Skullduggery hit theaters, it barely made a sound. Critics dismissed it, audiences ignored it, and Universal Pictures suffered financially. Meanwhile, MASH*, the movie Reynolds had turned down, became one of the biggest hits of the year and launched its stars into a new league of fame.

Finding Clarity Through Failure

While Skullduggery was a professional setback, it was also a profound moment of self-awareness for Reynolds. In later interviews, he admitted the experience taught him to trust his instincts — not his ego — when choosing roles. He began to recognize that the right script could make or break a career.

He regrouped, took smaller but smarter roles, and gradually rebuilt his reputation. His performance in Deliverance (1972) — a tense survival thriller — reintroduced him to Hollywood as a serious, compelling actor. The film was a turning point that cemented his image as more than just a charming face; he was a performer capable of grit, vulnerability, and depth.

From there, Reynolds went on an extraordinary run. Films like The Longest Yard and Smokey and the Bandit transformed him into one of the defining stars of the 1970s.

Beyond the Screen

Born in Lansing, Michigan, and raised in Florida, Burt Reynolds’ early dreams revolved around football, not film. After an injury ended his athletic ambitions, he turned to acting — reluctantly at first — and discovered a talent that would define his life. Off-screen, he was known for his warmth, humor, and the ability to laugh at his own mistakes. He never shied away from acknowledging that Skullduggery was one of them.

But rather than regret it endlessly, he used it as a catalyst for growth. It became a reminder that in Hollywood, every misstep carries a lesson — and every failure can pave the way for greatness.

Legacy of a Hollywood Survivor

Burt Reynolds’ journey from a television Western to global fame wasn’t linear — and that’s what made it inspiring. His willingness to admit mistakes, learn from them, and reinvent himself made him one of the most relatable stars of his era.

In hindsight, the wrong movie led him to the right mindset. Skullduggery might have been a cinematic flop, but without it, there may never have been Deliverance.

Sometimes, the best careers are forged not in triumph, but in recovery.

FAQs

1. What was Skullduggery about?
It followed a group of explorers in New Guinea who discover a tribe possibly representing the “missing link” between humans and apes, leading to legal and ethical debates about humanity.

2. Why did Burt Reynolds reject MASH?*
He believed Skullduggery would be a more serious, career-defining project — a decision he later admitted was a mistake.

3. How did the film perform?
Skullduggery was a commercial and critical flop, suffering from poor direction, tonal confusion, and weak marketing.

4. How did this experience shape his career?
The failure motivated Reynolds to be more selective with his projects, leading to major successes in Deliverance, The Longest Yard, and Smokey and the Bandit.

5. What is Burt Reynolds remembered for today?
Reynolds remains an enduring icon of American cinema — a man who embodied resilience, charm, and the courage to learn from his mistakes.