SerpApi.Org
Paul Newman and Robert Redford were legendary together in 1969's Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
The Oscar-winning Western remains one of the most beloved films ever made, thanks in large part to the effortless chemistry between its two stars. But before cameras ever rolled, the movie almost looked very different, with several Hollywood legends considered for the leading roles.
Paul Newman Wasn't Always Guaranteed to Star
Written by William Goldman and directed by George Roy Hill, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid follows the exploits of notorious outlaws Butch Cassidy (Newman) and the Sundance Kid (Redford) as they flee relentless pursuers after a string of train robberies, eventually escaping to Bolivia.
Although Newman was William Goldman's first choice to play Butch Cassidy, the actor initially passed on the role.
That opened the door for Steve McQueen, who was offered one of the film's lead parts and even discussed the possibility of Newman playing Sundance instead. But Hill insisted Newman was the perfect fit for Butch Cassidy, reportedly telling the studio he would leave the project if Newman didn't play the role.
McQueen ultimately exited the film amid disagreements over top billing.
Several Hollywood Stars Were Considered
Finding the right actor to play the Sundance Kid proved even more complicated.
According to Collider, 20th Century Fox pursued several major stars before settling on Redford.
Jack Lemmon was considered to star opposite Newman, but reportedly declined because he didn't want to spend months riding horses during production. Marlon Brando and Warren Beatty were also offered the role of Sundance at various stages of development.
Instead, the part ultimately went to Robert Redford, who was still relatively unknown in Hollywood at the time.
Studio executive Darryl F. Zanuck reportedly remained skeptical of casting the up-and-coming actor, favoring more established names. But Newman's wife, Joanne Woodward, suggested Redford for the role, and Newman quickly became one of his biggest supporters.
According to multiple accounts, Newman was so convinced Redford was the right choice that he threatened to leave the production if the studio refused to cast him. The decision transformed both the movie and Redford's career.
The chemistry between Newman and Redford became one of the defining elements of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, with the pair blending humor, charisma, and genuine friendship in a way few on-screen partnerships have matched.
Today, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is regularly ranked among the greatest Westerns ever made, and it's hard to imagine anyone other than Newman and Redford riding off into the sunset as the legendary outlaws.
