Although Paul Newman and Robert Redford’s on-screen chemistry as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was undeniable, their relationship off-set was more complex than fans might have imagined. Despite their lasting friendship, the two legendary actors harbored some underlying rivalries and frustrations during the filming of the iconic 1969 Western.
By the time Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was filmed, Newman was already an established superstar, having won acclaim for films like Cool Hand Luke and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The 44-year-old actor admitted that he had his sights set on playing the Sundance Kid role, which ultimately went to the 33-year-old Redford.
“I would have wanted to play Sundance,” Newman revealed in a BBC interview. “With that cooled-out quality, I feel a little more at ease. It must be the simpler part, I suppose.”
According to Newman’s daughter, Claire, the differences in their working styles also contributed to some of the tension on set. “My father was very much a stickler for timeliness and Bob, that was never really his strength. It was hard work for dad. He worked very hard at it because he wanted to be good and he wanted to be successful and Bob was more of a free spirit.”
Despite their initial differences, Newman and Redford’s relationship deepened over the years, and they became close friends who lived just a mile apart in Connecticut. Redford reflected on their evolving bond, saying, “We both got to know each other’s flaws pretty well. Of course, I outweighed him on that front. But knowing each other’s flaws, we just played them to the hilt and we’d try to trick each other. We’d try to surprise each other, and it was so damn much fun that it became like–it became like a scenario unto itself.”
After their successful pairings in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting, Newman and Redford explored the possibility of reuniting for a third film. In 2005, Redford had A Walk in the Woods, a buddy movie about two elderly men hiking the Appalachian Trail, in mind for the duo. However, Newman ultimately decided to cast Nick Nolte in the role, citing concerns about his ability to physically handle the demands of the film.
Despite the occasional tensions and missed opportunities, Newman and Redford’s on-screen and off-screen friendship left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Their dynamic and chemistry as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is still widely regarded as one of the greatest on-screen pairings in cinematic history. And even after Newman’s passing in 2008, Redford’s fondness for his longtime friend and co-star remained, as he reflected on their “common ground” and the “fun of it” that defined their legendary partnership.
The story of Paul Newman and Robert Redford’s relationship is a testament to the complexities and nuances that can exist even between the most celebrated of co-stars. Their initial competitive spirit and clashing working styles gave way to a deep and enduring friendship, one that transcended the silver screen and left an enduring legacy in the hearts of fans. Though they may have missed the opportunity to collaborate one more time, the indelible mark they left on Hollywood will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.
