10 More Movie Roles Obviously Designed For Other Actors
5. Richard Pryor As Sheriff Bart - Blazing Saddles
Mel Brooks’ 1974 comedy Western Blazing Saddles absolutely knocked socks off on release for being raucous, racy and a nonstop ride of comedic twists.
Overall, casting for Blazing Saddles was a nightmare. The role of Jim was offered first to John Wayne, who turned it down to protect his family-friendly image. Gig Young was cast but collapsed on set on the first day. Finally, Gene Wilder was flown in to replace him.
As for the film’s starring role, Sheriff Bart had been written with a particular name in mind - one that appears in the film’s credits. Legendary stand-up comedian Richard Pryor was involved in the earlier drafts of the film and is credited as such, but he was also first choice to play Blazing Saddles’ lead character. However, Warner Bros refused to insure Pyror because of his history of drug use and arrests associated with it.
The film’s racially charged humour was so perfect for Pryor and the kind of routines he was known for that director Mel Brooks almost abandoned the project altogether before Pyror himself recommended Cleavon Little.
Whilst the movie’s smash-hit triumph against all odds speaks volumes about Little’s success in the role, it’s hard not to imagine how great Pyror would’ve been performing as a character that was clearly his to play.