The star turned down the leading female role of "Ella Watson" in the Michael Cimino-directed movie that brought down an entire film studio.

Diane Keaton turned down the lead female role because, like Jane Fonda, she didn't like the script.

John Wayne turned down the lead male role in mid 70's when the project was called Johnson County War. When this attempt at the project fell through, Michael Cimino made the Deer Hunter instead.

Williams was to provide the score but the deal fell through over money and his commitments to the upcoming Empire Strikes Back.