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Films that McQueen passed over
The Execution of Private Slovak
(1959) Frank Sinatra enjoyed Mcqueen's company so much on Never So Few that he wanted Steve in this Sinatra-directed story of the only US soldier in history who was shot for desertion. McQueen had to choose: Make his own career or be a Sinatra flunky. The story was eventually brought to TV in 1974 starring a then unknown Martin Sheen.
Ocean's Eleven
(1960) Again Sinatra offered McQueen a part in one of his "Rat Pack" films. Rejected for the same reasons as The Execution of Private Slovak.
Breakfast at Tiffany's
(1960) McQueen was offered the lead role before George Peppard but his Wanted: Dead or Alive commitments prevented him from accepting.
The Victors
(1963) McQueen had to choose between doing this or The Great Escape.
Ice Station Zebra
(1968) Producer Martin Ransohoff tried to get McQueen to star in Howard Hughes' favourite film but Steve had too many other commitments to fill.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
(1969) When Paul Newman got control of the script, he aced McQueen out in favour of Marlon Brando. Brando passed and the role eventually went to Robert Redford, making him a star.
Dirty Harry
(1969) Offered to McQueen way before Clint Eastwood but he wanted to do something different after Bullitt.
Play Misty for Me
(1971) McQueen received the script for this years before Clint Eastwood took over the project as director. He was very interestedd but told Robert Relyea "The problem with this script is the woman has a stronger role than the man."
The French Connection
(1971) The role that made Gene Hackman a leading actor was originally offered to McQueen but McQueen turned down all cop roles after Bullitt.
First Blood
(1975) The script was floating round Hollywood for a long time before Stallone made it in 1982. McQueen was the first of several actors to pass it on.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
(1975) McQueen's understated acting was the total opposite to Jack Nicholson's Academy Award winning performance.
Apocalypse Now
(1975) Francis Ford Coppola first approached Steve McQueen to star in this Vietnam classic. McQueen didn't want to work in the jungle for the scheduled sixteen weeks.
Waiting for Godot
(1976) McQueen was in his classics period at this point. He was seriously considering making a film of Samuel Beckett's novel but came up against two major problems. Beckett wasn't selling the rights and Beckett had never heard of Steve McQueen.
A Bridge Too Far
(1976) McQueen was to appear in the cameo role that eventually went to Robert Redford. He wanted $3 million up front for a couple of weeks work. Perhaps the real reason that he turned the film down was that it starred Maximilian Schnell who had an affair with McQueen's first wife, Neile.
Towering Inferno II
(1976) McQueen was offered $3 million but turned it down. The project died soon after.
The Bodyguard
(1977) Director Lawrence Kasdan originally wrote the screenplay with McQueen in mind. Diana Ross was originally going to play the singer. The film was made sixteen years later with Kevin Costner (a McQueen disciple) and Whitney Houston and was a massive hit.
The Gauntlet
(1977) The script is perfectly tailored to the McQueen persona. Eventually made by Clint Eastwood.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
( 1977) McQueen was offered the role that Richard Dreyfuss made famous. McQueen (and Columbia Pictures) did not believe the film would get off the ground. It's success was a surprise to everyone.
Convoy
(1978) The part was initially offered to McQueen and eventually Kris Kristofferson took the part.
Superman
(1979) McQueen was up for the role of Superman, but his name ws crossed off the list because he got too fat, according to producer David Salkind. [Filmography] [Films Rejected] [Poll] [Guestbook] [Books] [Videos]