Imagine being offered a role in one of the most iconic films of the 1970s, only to turn it down for a movie that would later be dubbed a career misstep. That’s exactly what Burt Reynolds did when he passed on MASH* to star in the now-forgotten adventure film Skullduggery. But why would a rising star make such a bold choice? And this is the part most people miss: Skullduggery wasn’t just a random pick—it was based on a critically acclaimed French novel, Les Animaux dénaturés, which explored the blurred lines between humanity and primitivism. Yet, despite its intriguing premise, the film flopped spectacularly. So, what went wrong, and what can we learn from Reynolds’ decision?
By the late 1960s, Burt Reynolds was on the cusp of superstardom. His breakout role in CBS’s Gunsmoke had solidified his place in Hollywood, and he was actively seeking the project that would catapult him to the A-list. When the opportunity to play Trapper John McIntyre in Robert Altman’s MASH* came knocking, it seemed like the perfect vehicle. The film went on to become the third-highest-grossing movie of 1970, but Reynolds wasn’t part of it. Instead, he chose Skullduggery, a film that promised adventure, moral complexity, and a chance to shine in a leading role. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Reynolds’ decision a bold artistic choice or a costly mistake? Let’s dive in.
In Skullduggery, Reynolds plays a treasure hunter searching for phosphorus deposits in New Guinea alongside his sidekick (Roger C. Carmel). When they join an expedition led by an archaeologist (Susan Clark), they stumble upon a tribe called the Tropis, who appear to be a missing link between apes and humans. The discovery sparks a moral dilemma when the expedition’s financier plans to exploit the Tropis for profit. The film shifts from adventure to courtroom drama as the team fights to prove the Tropis’ humanity. Sounds compelling, right? But here’s the kicker: Critics hated it, audiences ignored it, and Universal Pictures lost a fortune. What did Reynolds see in this project, and did he ever regret passing on MASH*?
Behind the scenes, Skullduggery was a disaster from the start. Originally envisioned by Otto Preminger, the project landed in the hands of producer Saul David, known for hits like Our Man Flint and Fantastic Voyage. However, the production was plagued by chaos, including the firing of director Richard Wilson after just one day of shooting. His replacement, Gordon Douglas, failed to impress Reynolds, who later described the film as ‘badly directed’ and poorly marketed. In a 1976 interview with Gene Siskel, Reynolds admitted, ‘Any time you have Pat Suzuki dressed as a small ape, I think you’re in trouble.’ Ouch.
Despite the film’s failure, Skullduggery served as a wake-up call for Reynolds. He realized he needed to be more selective with his roles, a lesson he applied to his next projects. By starring in Fuzz and taking Marlon Brando’s place in Deliverance, Reynolds cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars throughout the 1970s. But the question remains: Would Reynolds have achieved even greater success if he’d chosen MASH* instead? Or was Skullduggery a necessary detour on his path to stardom? Let us know what you think in the comments—did Burt Reynolds make the right call, or was this a missed opportunity?
