Roy Scheider turned down the Michael role
a bad move
shareThis movie isnt too bankable or easy to make.
It’s too strong themed.
MovieChat Forums > The Deer Hunter (1979) Discussion > Roy Scheider turned down the Michael ro...
No, he didn't turn it down. He wasn't available because of "Jaws 2." It's like how Tom Selleck couldn't do "Indiana Jones" because he was under contractual obligation to film "Magnum PI."
sharefrom imdb
He was originally cast as Michael Vronsky in The Deer Hunter (1978), as the second movie of a three movie deal with Universal Studios. Because he did not believe that the character would travel around the world to find his friend, he quit the picture. Universal executives were furious, but they agreed to let him out of his Universal contract if he made Jaws 2 (1978), which he did. He later regarded pulling out of The Deer Hunter (1978) as the career decision he most regrets.