Burt Reynolds Turned Down ‘Boogie Nights’ Seven Times And Wanted To Hit Paul Thomas Anderson

Depending on your age, legendary actor Burt Reynolds is known to you for probably one of two things. If you’re old enough, you remember how cool Reynolds was, starring in “Smokey and the Bandit,” “The Longest Yard,” and “Deliverance.” However, if you’re on the younger side of things, you probably remember him as porn filmmaker Jack Horner in Paul Thomas Anderson’s classic film, “Boogie Nights.”

But even though the role in “Boogie Nights” was huge for the actor, it seems like he didn’t actually want to do it. In an interview on Conan, the 82-year-old actor talks about how he turned down “Boogie Nights” seven times before finally working on the film. Why would Reynolds not want to work on a PTA film?

“I have a hard time with that whole… Oh, better use another adjective. I have a difficult time. It just wasn’t my kind of film,” Reynolds says, with a sly grin. “It made me very uncomfortable.”

READ MORE: Paul Thomas Anderson Unfolds ‘Phantom Thread’ In 33-Minute Masterclass

But, as we know, he worked on the film, and received critical-acclaim for the role. Reynolds would then, of course, go on to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the role. However, even with the critical-acclaim and awards recognition, Reynolds still turned down the option to appear in PTA’s next film, “Magnolia.” And while PTA and Burt have never been shy sharing the fact that they didn’t get along, Reynolds is still willing to publicly voice his opinion on the incredible filmmaker.

“No, I didn’t want to hit [Paul Thomas Anderson] in the face, I just wanted to hit him. I don’t think he liked me,” said the actor.

All that being said and considering its been over 20 years since the release of “Boogie Nights,” surely Reynolds has grown fond of the film. But you know what? The actor doesn’t have a fondness for the final product, and for good reason.

He says, “No, I haven’t seen [‘Boogie Nights’]. I don’t want to see it.”

Oh well. Doesn’t change the fact that the film was great, and Reynolds was a big part of why “Boogie Nights” is just as awesome today as it was 20 years ago.