7 Things You May Not Have Known About ‘Smokey and The Bandit’

2. Jerry Reed Was Originally Cast As Bandit

Long before Needham got the backing from Universal, he had someone other than Reynolds in mind for the starring role. That someone else was Reed, who was going to take on the lead role when the film’s budget was only $1 million.

But once Reynolds agreed to take part in the film, Needham elevated him to the starring role. Reed was re-cast in the role as Bandit’s friend Snowman, and excelled at it.

Imagine how different the film would have been with Reed as Bandit…and no Reynolds at all!