Will Robert Redford Revive The Candidate with a Sequel?

Robert Redford, a legendary figure in cinema, is remembered not just for his iconic roles but also for a long-discussed sequel to his political satire, The Candidate. Although he was generally averse to sequels, the potential follow-up to this 1972 film remained a topic of interest among filmmakers and fans alike for decades.

Last updated: 28 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Robert Redford's career is defined by classic films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men.
• The Candidate, released in 1972, earned two Oscar nominations.
• Filmmaker Rod Lurie discussed a sequel idea with Redford for years, envisioning him as an ex-president.
• Despite interest, a follow-up to The Candidate was never developed.
• Redford's legacy includes a commitment to political storytelling and the Sundance Institute.

The Candidate: A Snapshot of Political Satire

Released in 1972, The Candidate is a political satire that follows Bill McKay, played by Redford, a novice politician who unexpectedly rises in the California Senate race. The film cleverly critiques the political landscape, highlighting the absurdities of campaigning and the often superficial nature of electoral politics. With a screenplay that won an Academy Award, it remains a significant commentary on American political life.

Redford's Reluctance Towards Sequels

Throughout much of his career, Robert Redford was known for his reluctance to participate in sequels. He believed that they often lacked the originality and depth of the original films. However, The Candidate stood out as a potential exception, primarily due to the richness of its themes and characters, which seemed ripe for further exploration.

The Conversations That Sparked Hope for a Sequel

Filmmaker Rod Lurie, who directed Redford in the 2001 film The Last Castle, reported that the two spent considerable time discussing ideas for a sequel to The Candidate. The idea was to see Bill McKay evolve into an ex-president who would guide a new generation of candidates, possibly featuring actors like Denzel Washington or George Clooney.

According to Lurie, “One of his hopes was to continue this story of Bill McKay. He’s an infamous developer and works on scripts endlessly. So it was in the discussion phase and mostly, ‘What was it going to be?’” This back-and-forth sparked enthusiasm for the project, but ultimately, it remained unproduced.

Redford's Shift in Direction

As discussions continued, Redford's focus shifted towards collaborating with Larry Gelbart, a renowned producer and writer known for his work on M*A*S*H and Tootsie. In a 2003 interview, Redford expressed his anti-sequel stance while simultaneously acknowledging that the timing felt right for a political satire, stating, “The truth is so awful, but in its own horrible way, it’s entertaining.”

This statement encapsulates Redford's deep understanding of the political landscape and his ability to use film as a medium for social commentary. Despite his initial interest in revisiting The Candidate, the project never came to fruition.

Legacy of a Political Storyteller

Redford’s commitment to political storytelling is evident not only in his films but also through his founding of the Sundance Institute, which has helped foster independent filmmakers and promote diverse voices in cinema. His work often reflected an unwavering dedication to social issues, making him a significant figure in the realm of film and politics.

A Brief Return to Sequels

While Redford remained largely opposed to sequels throughout his career, he did make an exception later on. He reprised his role as Alexander Pierce in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in Avengers: Endgame after first portraying the character in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. This marked a rare deviation from his typical stance on sequels.

Reflections on All the President’s Men

Amongst his extensive filmography, Redford's role in All the President’s Men holds a special place. Lurie once remarked, “He starred in the greatest film ever made — that’s my personal opinion — which is All the President’s Men.” This film, which chronicles the investigative reporting of the Watergate scandal, showcases Redford's ability to tackle politically charged narratives effectively.

What Lies Ahead for Political Cinema?

The political landscape continues to evolve, and with it, the potential for films that comment on contemporary issues remains strong. Though a sequel to The Candidate was never realised, the themes it explored are still relevant today, making the conversation around it poignant.

As filmmakers continue to draw from real-world events, the legacy of Robert Redford as a storyteller who engaged with politics will undoubtedly inspire future projects. The enduring interest in The Candidate highlights the necessity for narratives that challenge the status quo and provoke thoughtful discourse.

FAQs

What was The Candidate about?

The Candidate is a political satire following Bill McKay, an unlikely Senate candidate in California who challenges the political establishment, exposing the absurdities of electoral politics.

Did Robert Redford ever make a sequel to any of his films?

While Robert Redford was generally averse to sequels, he reprised his role as Alexander Pierce in Avengers: Endgame, marking a rare exception in his career.

Who directed The Candidate?

The Candidate was directed by Michael Ritchie and released in 1972, earning two Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Original Screenplay.

What was Rod Lurie’s involvement with The Candidate sequel?

Rod Lurie, who directed Redford in The Last Castle, discussed various ideas for a sequel to The Candidate with him, envisioning Redford's character as an ex-president advising a new candidate.

What legacy did Robert Redford leave behind?

Robert Redford’s legacy includes a rich filmography, a commitment to independent filmmaking through the Sundance Institute, and significant contributions to political storytelling in cinema.

As we reflect on Robert Redford's impact, it’s clear that his films continue to resonate with audiences, urging us to consider the complexities of politics and society. What new stories will emerge from the lessons of his work? #RobertRedford #TheCandidate #PoliticalCinema