The iconic duo of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, played by Paul Newman and Robert Redford, captivated audiences with their undeniable chemistry on screen. However, their real-life relationship was more complex, with Newman admitting to having mixed feelings about his co-star.
In a candid interview, Newman revealed that he had initially wanted to play the role of Sundance Kid, which ultimately went to Redford. Newman felt that the character’s “cooled-out quality” resonated with him more. Despite this, the two actors developed a strong on-screen dynamic, which contributed to the film’s massive success.
Behind the scenes, however, Newman and Redford’s relationship was not as smooth. Newman described Redford as unreliable, saying, “You can’t depend on Redford. You’re never sure he’s going to be there.” Their differing work styles and personalities often led to clashes on set.
Despite these challenges, the two actors developed a deeper connection over time. Redford reflected on their relationship, saying, “It started with the fun of playing those characters, and then once the film started, we discovered other similarities that just multiplied over time.” The two actors went on to star together in The Sting, cementing their on-screen partnership.
In the years that followed, Newman and Redford looked for opportunities to collaborate on a third project. One such opportunity arose with the film adaptation of Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods. Although Newman ultimately didn’t participate in the project due to health concerns, Redford remained committed to the film, which was released in 2015.
Despite their initial differences, Newman and Redford developed a strong and lasting bond. Redford fondly remembered his friend, saying, “We both got to know each other’s flaws pretty well… We’d try to trick each other, and it was so damn much fun.” Their friendship was a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of finding common ground, even in the face of adversity.
