In the 1970s,John Wayne’s career was approaching its final years, which meant whatever his final project would be cemented into his legacy. The 1979 WesternThe Frisco Kid,a movie about a Polish rabbi who befriends a bank robber and embarks on an adventure, was originally supposedJohn Wayne’s final movie, as he would have played Tommy Lillard. The studio was keen on hiring Wayne, but issues between the producers and the actor resulted in Wayne turning down the film. Instead, a rising star replaced him in the role.
Way before joining thecast of TV Western 1923,Harrison Ford was the much younger replacement for Wayne inThe Frisco Kid.The movie also starred Gene Wilder as the Polish rabbi Avram, following his well-received performance inWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Because Ford replaced Wayne, his last ever film was another critically acclaimed Western where he starred alongside James Stewart, adding to the finaltotal of Westerns Wayne appeared in.
Why John Wayne Turned Down The Frisco Kid
Wayne Turning Down The Frisco Kid Opened A Door For Harrison Ford
Although Wayne loved the character inThe Frisco Kid,the Western legend turned down the film due to financial disagreements.Different sources have different claims regarding why he turned down the film, such as the script’s“vulgarity”and creative differences. However, as revealed in the 2023 documentaryRemembering Gene Wilder, hiring Wayne would have surpassed their budget, as he replied, “Forget the whole thing” when one of the executives offered him $250,000. Wayne passed away on June 06, 2025, less than a month beforeThe Frisco Kidpremiered.
One Of John Wayne’s Best Performances Came In His Final Ever Western Movie That Reunited Him With James Stewart
Actor John Wayne is remembered as one of the greatest Western stars of all time, and one of his final performances also stands out as one of his best.
Following Wayne’s departure, Wilder was asked to find another actor, preferably an actor who was an up-and-coming star, to replace him. Around the time Wayne rejected the Tommy Lillard role,Ford had become a rising star after playing Han Solo in the originalStar Wars.InRemembering Gene Wilder, it was uncovered that Ford becameWayne’s replacement inThe Frisco Kidbecause Wilder thought that Harrison was “charming and might possibly get somewhere in the business.”
The Frisco Kid Wouldn’t Have Been As Fitting A Farewell As John Wayne’s Actual Final Western
Wayne’s Final Film Was Better Received Than The Frisco Kid
Wayne’s last credited role is technicallyStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hopeas Garindan, buthis final appearance was inThe Shootistas Sheriff J.P. Books.The movie follows a sheriff turned gunfighter who was diagnosed with a terminal illness after committing thirty murders years prior. In the end, Wayne’s character leaves in style, succumbing to his injuries after being shot. As Wayne was approaching his final years,The Frisco Kidwould not have been a suitable farewell, asThe ShootistoutperformedThe Frisco Kidin cinemas.
What madeThe Shootistso significant is that Wayne was saying goodbye through his character, whose death was spectacular.
Although some critics praised the film’s comedy,The Frisco Kidwas criticized for many reasons. Wilder’s performance as The Rabbi overshadowed Ford’s, making his role somewhat forgettable. Other reviewers, notably Vincent Canby fromThe New York Times, described the movie as “harmless chaos.” Canby lambasted the lack of plot development, stating that although it was based on a clever idea, the movie failed to deliver its promise.The Frisco Kidgrossed $4.2 million and holds a 54% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Frisco KidandThe Shootistcan be rented on Apple TV.
The Shootistwas considered one ofWayne’s best Western movies, due to his outstanding performance as J.P. Books. In comparison toThe Frisco Kid, The Shootisgrossed $13.4 million domestically.The Shootistholds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 81% and was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. However, what madeThe Shootistso significant is that Wayne was saying goodbye through his character, whose death was spectacular.The Shootistbeing Wayne’s final Western film is meaningful, and it became an important part ofJohn Wayne’s legacy.
