John Wayne's Near Miss: How Harrison Ford Became the Star of 'The Frisco Kid'
John Wayne and 'The Frisco Kid': A Western That Could Have Been
Can you imagine a world where John Wayne's final Western wasn't The Shootist, but instead, a quirky comedy called The Frisco Kid (1979)? It almost happened! This fun film tells the unlikely story of a Polish rabbi (Gene Wilder) who teams up with a bank robber (originally intended for John Wayne) on a wild adventure. It's totally unexpected! The studio really wanted Wayne; however some major issues and disagreements resulted in Wayne walking away.
John Wayne was already in the twilight of his career by the 1970s; making whatever his last role would become even more critically important to how people ultimately perceived him. The decision of rejecting The Frisco Kid dramatically changed what many people believe defines his later career.
The Duke's Decision: Money Talks (and Walked Away)
John Wayne supposedly loved The Frisco Kid's character—Tommy Lillard. So why the rejection? According to the 2023 documentary Remembering Gene Wilder, it all boiled down to money! A reported offer of $250,000 was deemed insufficient by the legend; making Wayne's eventual reply ("Forget the whole thing") completely iconic and demonstrating how much he already valued this decision. He valued it highly, which further contributed to the events later mentioned which affected his entire reputation and ultimately defined his ending and how he was remembered. And to make this even crazier? He died June 11th, 1979— less than a month before the movie premiered!
It’s interesting to note various conflicting stories concerning exactly why he left, other accounts suggested a supposed disagreement over the screenplay’s "vulgarity" or potential creative clashes – yet it's pretty obvious that this financial aspect played the most important role in creating this now famous moment; an unforgettable rejection that really shaped everything else surrounding it!
Harrison Ford Rides In: A Rising Star Takes the Reins
With Wayne out, Gene Wilder (who was already supremely well-known) needed a replacement. Enter a young Harrison Ford— he was seriously up-and-coming after his breakout role as Han Solo in Star Wars. Wilder, as mentioned in Remembering Gene Wilder, saw Ford as “charming” and believing that the then rising star "might possibly get somewhere in the business”. And boy, was he right!
A Fitting Farewell? The Shootist vs. The Frisco Kid
Wayne's actual final Western, The Shootist, ended his career perfectly. That film showcases his incredible strength, his wisdom and also the ultimate respect inherent within the legend of his particular career, and displays his later persona— an aging gunfighter diagnosed with a terminal illness— and leaving as an incredibly tough, iconic individual – fitting for a legend!. The Frisco Kid wasn't quite the same, falling short by comparison. It garnered mixed reviews, some people actually liking it and finding its story fairly endearing; yet it lacked depth, falling into chaotic, ultimately messy storylines that could have used a lot of additional work; despite containing a relatively interesting idea.
The contrast in success also highlights something major: The Shootist grossed a massive $13.4 million domestically. The total critical reception was phenomenal (81% on Rotten Tomatoes); even receiving Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations! Meanwhile, The Frisco Kid brought only $4.2 million. Its score is considerably lower (54% on Rotten Tomatoes) and had mostly mixed reception! What separates the successes of the various films is that final moment; the final character action and closure. That powerful and ultimately tragic conclusion; a final display of iconic, incredible prowess is ultimately more unforgettable.
Conclusion: Two Different Paths to the End of a Legendary Career
John Wayne’s legacy remains that of a truly legendary individual who managed to dominate the screen in this particular and critically important role; but missing The Frisco Kid, he missed out on a fun but ultimately less memorable final chapter, choosing another project with an immensely larger final moment. What remains ultimately however are those powerful images from that finale sequence which really showcase why John Wayne remains such a key and highly important person in his field, resulting in his lasting legacy.
