Bill Murray recently opened up to Howard Stern about a significant regret in his illustrious career—turning down an opportunity to work with Clint Eastwood. The former Saturday Night Live star revealed that the fear of being typecast was a major factor in his decision to decline the film offer.
During the interview, Murray explained, “I was watching Eastwood’s films of that era, such as Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, and I noticed a pattern where the sidekick often had a memorable death scene.” The actor, fresh off the success of the 1981 comedy Stripes, went so far as to call Eastwood directly to show his interest.
Murray recounted, “I called him out of the blue, and he asked if I would be interested in another military comedy, given my recent role in Stripes. He had a grand concept for a Navy-themed film.” Despite the enticing idea, the phrase ‘another military comedy’ gave Murray pause. He questioned, “Would I become like Abbott and Costello? I had to do, like, military movies?” His uncertainty ultimately led him to decline the project.
Several years later, Eastwood released the war drama Heartbreak Ridge, a decision Murray reflects on with a tinge of regret. “It’s one of the few regrets I have that I didn’t do it. Because it was a big-scale thing, and I would have gotten a great – I don’t know if I’d have gotten a great death scene; it was more of a comedy, that one – but it was great,” Murray said. His admiration for Eastwood’s access to World War II boats and the potential for creativity in the film is clear.
Murray reflected on his missed opportunity, noting, “When I see him, I’m like, ‘I’m sorry; I wish I’d done that, Clint. I’m really sorry.’ He’s certainly well over it. He’s a very resilient fella.”
The conversation also touched on the interesting backstory of Stripes. Stern reminded audiences that Stripes was initially written for Cheech and Chong, but their agent declined the project. Murray acknowledged that the duo would have brought a distinctive energy to the film with their unique brand of stoner humor. Directed by Ivan Reitman and co-starring John Candy, Stripes became a box office hit, ranking as the fifth-highest-grossing film of its year.
Reflecting on this, it’s clear the collaboration between Bill Murray and Clint Eastwood could have been another high point in cinematic history. Murray’s honest admission showcases the impact of choices in a career, highlighting the perpetual interplay between fear and opportunity, where even legends like Murray must ponder the paths not taken.
