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These claims Young was only up for the role. However, in a bio of Young, his agent claimed that casting Young was part of the deal with Warners and Brooks was forced to accept him. He was definitely cast in the role, as photos exist of him on the set in costume. They are impossible to find online -- I saw them in an E channel tabloid show about Hollywood scandals. But I can't find the Young episode on the net.
Then, old-time star Dan Dailey was offered the part (some claim Dailey was pre-Young, but I think that's wrong). DD accepted, then dropped out the next day. (Like Young, he was a serious drunk). Then Wilder.
I can't understand why people don't see Wilder was miscast. Why not cast Don Rickles in the Slim Pickens role? (actually, that sounds like a much funnier idea than Wilder as the Waco Kid). There were dozens if not hundreds of better fits for the role. All the old western actors: Neville Brand, Richard Boone, Chuck Connors, Clint Walker (who actually showed some comic ability in a few roles), Ben Johnson (then enjoying a career revival thanks to Last Picture Show), etc... Or maybe even my dream choice:
Roy Rogers.
He was willing to spoof himself (Son on Paleface) but of course, BS was far too raunchy for his public image. (He turned down the offer to close out Woodstock by singing "Happy Trails" after Hendrix. No, I am not kidding. He was worried how being associated with the counterculture would affect public perception, as well as fearing that the hippies might even boo him. He didn't realize how beloved he was with baby boomers). He even refused to do a guest shot on 'Wonder Woman' unless Lynda Carter wore a less revealing costume. So she was forced to wear a solid blouse for that one episode only. (See the above pic.)
All this is in stark contrast to Roy's offstage rep as having banged half the women in the country music biz (there's a 'WW' publicity photo where he does the ol' sneaky wraparound w/Lynda). In fact, bringing us full circle from Gig Young, one of his sidepieces would lead to murder:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spade_Cooley
Wilder was contacted by Brooks who was panicking and agreed to take the part. Brooks may also have felt that playing the role completely straight (like ZAZ would later do) might be too subtle for audiences. Blazing Saddle remains a classic and it's fun to consider the casting alternatives, including Richard Pryor as the Sheriff. Brooks' original intent is understandable and far riskier than the eventual film.
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