In 1974, Jeff Bridges nearly landed one of cinema’s most iconic roles. Years later, he said “it’s not worth talking about”

Jeff Bridges was considered for the lead role in *Taxi Driver* before Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro came aboard, but the project did not come together with him. The near-miss is a notable Hollywood “what if”, given how closely De Niro’s performance as Travis Bickle became associated with the film.

Screenwriter Paul Schrader said director Brian De Palma liked the script and wanted to make it, but the team lacked the influence to get the film made and waited about a year. Bridges later said he did not dwell on roles he had passed up, including *Taxi Driver* and *Raiders of the Lost Ark*, because another actor might bring something essential to a part.