Burt Reynolds Turned Down Batman: Why He Passed on the Cape
Burt Reynolds was almost cast as Batman in the 1960s TV show, but he turned down the role, doubting he could do it justice. He later praised Adam West’s performance, but felt the part didn’t boost West’s career either.
Imagine a world where the iconic Batman theme song was followed by the name Burt Reynolds. That alternate reality nearly happened, as the mustachioed star was once in the running to play the legendary superhero on television. Reynolds, known for his tough-guy charm and quick wit, had a knack for passing on roles that would later become classics. His list of near-misses reads like a Hollywood hall of fame, with characters and films that went on to define pop culture and win major awards. Despite his own success, Reynolds often found himself just a step away from some of the most memorable parts in movie history.
Hollywood’s Most Famous “No”
Reynolds’ career in the late 1970s was at its peak, but before that, he had a habit of turning down roles that would become legendary. He famously passed on playing Han Solo in Star Wars, James Bond, Superman, and even roles that won Jack Nicholson Oscars. The list goes on: John McClane in Die Hard, a part in M*A*S*H, Rosemary’s Baby, and Pretty Woman. It ’s almost comical how many times Reynolds said no to what would become blockbuster hits. You’d think someone in his camp would have nudged him to take a chance, but either the advice never came or the offers eventually dried up.
Batman: The Role That Got Away
To be clear, Reynolds wasn’t up for the lead in Tim Burton’s Batman movies. Instead, he was considered for the 1960s TV series, a show that would become a campy classic. At the time, Reynolds’ career wasn’t exactly on fire. He had just finished filming Navajo Joe, a movie he later joked was so bad it only played in places where the audience couldn’t leave. His run as Quint Asper on Gunsmoke had ended, so he wasn’t exactly swamped with work. Still, the idea of squeezing into a tight suit and delivering over-the-top lines didn’t appeal to him, and he had no regrets about passing on the opportunity.
Reynolds Reflects on His Decision
In his memoir, Reynolds explained his reasoning:
“I backed away from the original Batman TV series because I doubted I could bring it off and didn’t think it was a star-making part.”
While many would argue that playing the Caped Crusader was a ticket to stardom, Reynolds didn’t see it that way. He added,
“I wouldn’t have been nearly as good as Adam West, who was brilliant as Batman. But as it happened, I was right: Batman didn’t do much for his career.”
The truth is, while West never escaped the shadow of his superhero role, it did give him a lasting legacy. In a twist of fate, when West played himself in a movie for the first time, Reynolds was right there with him, starring as the stunt coordinator in the 1978 film Hooper.