Robert Redford’s Career and Legacy

Robert Redford was a legendary actor, filmmaker, and founder of the Sundance Institute, known for his iconic roles in films like Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, The Sting, and All the President’s Men. He passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the film industry.

A Film That Stood Out

In 1972, Redford starred in the political satire The Candidate, directed by Michael Ritchie, where he played the role of Bill McKay, an unlikely candidate for the California Senate race. The film received two Oscar nominations, including a win for Jeremy Larner’s script. This film stood out in Redford’s career, and it remained a top candidate for a sequel for decades after its release.

Plans for a Sequel

Filmmaker Rod Lurie, who worked with Redford on the 2000 film The Last Castle, revealed that they had discussed ideas for a sequel to The Candidate for years. Lurie had written and directed the 2000 Oscar-nominated political thriller The Contender, and talks about a sequel to The Candidate began while they were working on The Last Castle. Although Redford liked Lurie’s stories, they never started drafting a script.

Concept and Cast

Lurie shared that one of Redford’s hopes was to continue the story of Bill McKay, with the character becoming an ex-president who advises a new candidate. They had considered casting Denzel Washington or George Clooney as the new candidate. However, despite exchanging letters and discussing the idea, the project never came to fruition.

A Shift in Direction

Redford eventually changed direction and turned to Larry, a producer of the series MASH and co-writer of Tool, to work on a script. In 2003, Redford described himself as an "anti-sequel" but felt that the timing was right to revisit American politics. Although he appeared in a sequel later in his career, reprising his Marvel role in Avengers: Endgame, a follow-up to The Candidate never materialized.

Legacy and Impact

Lurie praised Redford’s work with Sundance and his incredible catalog of films, particularly All the President’s Men, which he considered one of the biggest films Redford had ever done. Lurie cherished the time he spent working with Redford on The Last Castle and admired his dedication to his craft. Redford’s legacy continues to inspire and influence the film industry, and his iconic roles remain etched in the minds of audiences worldwide.