The 1984 classic Ron Howard refused to direct: “The first person I offered the movie to”

Ron Howard turned down the chance to direct Footloose, the 1984 dance drama that made a star of Kevin Bacon, according to producer Craig Zadan. Howard was reportedly the first choice for the project but declined because he lacked confidence in his ability to shoot musical dance sequences, a gap that has stopped him directing a musical to this day. The revelation is notable given that 1984 turned out to be a breakthrough year for Howard anyway, thanks to Splash, though it raises questions about how his career might have differed had he taken on the rival hit.

After Howard passed, the film went to Michael Cimino, who was subsequently fired for making unreasonable demands, before Herbert Ross eventually took the reins and delivered the pop-culture classic. Zadan said he recently spoke to Howard, who admitted he still doesn't know how to shoot musical numbers but suggested he might now be tempted to try given his added experience — a claim the article notes he has never followed through on. Footloose ultimately cost less than Splash to make but earned significantly more at the box office and picked up two Oscar nominations.