Hollywood veteran Bill Murray has starred in numerous iconic films, but he recently revealed one project he wishes he hadn’t turned down—a chance to work with Clint Eastwood.
Murray’s Missed Opportunity with Eastwood
During an interview on The Howard Stern Show, the Oscar-nominated actor reflected on a pivotal moment in his career when he declined a film collaboration with Eastwood after the success of his 1981 military comedy Stripes.
“A long time ago, I was watching the Clint Eastwood movies of the day, like Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, and I thought: ‘His sidekick always gets a great part and a great death scene,’” Murray recalled.
Motivated by his admiration for Eastwood’s work, Murray made a call to the legendary actor-director, only to be offered another military-themed project. “He said, ‘Would you ever want to do another service comedy?’ Because I had just made Stripes, and he had this great idea for an enormous Navy thing,” Murray explained.
The Film in Question: Heartbreak Ridge
The film Murray referenced is believed to be Heartbreak Ridge (1986), a military dramedy directed by and starring Eastwood as Marine Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway. The movie was a commercial success and has since become a cult favorite among military film enthusiasts.
Concerned about being typecast in military comedies, Murray ultimately declined the offer. “I thought, ‘Would I become like Abbott and Costello? I’d have to do military movies?’ And I said, ‘Well, God, maybe I shouldn’t.’”
A Rare Career Regret
Despite his long and successful career, Murray admitted that rejecting the project remains one of his few professional regrets.
“It’s one of the few regrets I have. It was a big-scale thing, and I would have gotten a great role,” he said. “He had access to World War II boats, and he could’ve made a whole flotilla. There was some really cool stuff in it.”
Even years later, Murray still acknowledges the missed opportunity whenever he sees Eastwood. “When I see him, I’m like: ‘I’m sorry, I wish I’d done that, Clint, I’m really sorry.’ But he’s certainly well over it. He’s a very resilient fella.”
Murray’s Legacy in Comedy and Film
While Heartbreak Ridge went on to success without him, Murray has enjoyed a legendary career, starring in classics like Ghostbusters (1984), Groundhog Day (1993), and Lost in Translation (2003). His ability to balance comedy with dramatic roles has cemented him as one of Hollywood’s most beloved and versatile actors.
Though he may regret missing out on working with Eastwood, Murray’s storied career continues to thrive, proving that even Hollywood legends have their “what if” moments.