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Image Courtesy: Los Angeles Times
Legendary actor and director Robert Redford died on 16th September, at the age of 89. He had many iconic roles to his name, but one character he always hoped to revisit was Bill McKay, the idealistic politician from his 1972 political thriller 'The Candidate.'
Redford secretly pondered with the notion of a sequel for years, speculating about what McKay's life may be like in a drastically altered political environment decades later. He held discussions with writers and directors, thought about plots where a past president mentors a new contender, and even thought about well-known celebrities who could potentially be involved.
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Image Courtesy: Rolling Stone
However, the movie regrettably never progressed above the creative stage prior to his death, despite his deep interest in the topic and how appropriate a sequel would have been.
The Legacy of 'The Candidate' and Its Political Message
'The Candidate,' which was released in 1972, was a scathing, humorous examination of the political apparatus and how campaign pressures may change even the most idealistic voices. Redford portrayed Bill McKay, a progressive attorney who was persuaded to challenge a well-liked incumbent for the U.S. Senate. Since McKay has little chance of winning, he is initially allowed to speak candidly. However, he starts to violate his morals as the momentum increases and the likelihood of success becomes real.
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Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter
The film's famous last question, "What do we do now?" uttered by a triumphant but dejected McKay, encapsulated the bewilderment and struggle that many politicians encounter after rising to the top. Redford had one of his most provocative performances in the picture, which went on to win an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
Redford's Vision for a Sequel That Never Came to Reality
Redford remained subtly committed to revisiting McKay's story in the decades that followed. Working with filmmaker Rod Lurie, he discussed his thoughts for a return to the role, this time as a former president who serves as a political mentor. The premise was full of promise: an idealistic man now considering his legacy, helping a younger person navigate contemporary politics. Denzel Washington and George Clooney were in the talks as potential leads.
Additionally, Redford had previously discussed penning the follow-up with the late Larry Gelbart, who was famed for 'MASH,' and 'Tootsie.' However, in spite of the passion, attention, and even a few drafts and correspondences, the sequel never came to reality. It remained a powerful "what if" in Redford’s legendary career.
Saying Goodbye to a Hollywood Giant
An era came to an end with Robert Redford's passing. In addition to being a Hollywood legend, he was an environmentalist, filmmaker, and the creator of the Sundance Institute, which supported many indie filmmakers. 'All the President's Men,' 'Butch Cassidy,' and 'the Sundance Kid,' 'The Sting,' and 'Ordinary People'—the latter of which earned him an Oscar for Best Director—are just a few of his iconic films.
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Image Courtesy: Awards Radar
Though the sequel may never come to life, Redford's desire to revisit the character of Bill McKay shows how deeply he cared about storytelling that challenged and reflected society.
