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In 1978, Roy Scheider priced himself out of a ‘Best Picture’-winning classic. He thought ‘Jaws 2’ was a safer bet
Roy Scheider chose to reprise Police Chief Martin Brody in *Jaws 2* rather than star in *The Deer Hunter*, which later won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture. His decision meant the film needed a new lead, and Robert De Niro took the role of Michael Vronsky.
The article says pay was central to Scheider’s choice: he believed his existing deal did not reflect the starring status he expected for *The Deer Hunter*. Producer Thom Mount doubted Scheider had rejected the script, describing it as strong, and said the studio considered De Niro better suited to the role. Scheider had a three-picture deal with Universal, which was also making *Jaws 2*.
In short
- Scheider passed on *The Deer Hunter* for *Jaws 2*.
- He reportedly felt his fee did not match the role.
- Robert De Niro became the film’s leading man.