Back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Clint Eastwood wasn’t just a tough cowboy or a hard-nosed detective. He was also the straight man in a buddy-comedy duo—with a hilarious and unforgettable co-star, Clyde the orangutan. These two starred in Every Which Way But Loose (1978) and its sequel Any Which Way You Can (1980). The films were oddball hits, combining bar brawls, biker gangs, and orangutan slapstick.
Audiences loved the wild mix. The first movie made over $85 million in the U.S. alone, and the second wasn’t far behind. Fans thought a third film was a no-brainer. But that third ride never happened.
Let’s dive into the story behind that decision—what worked, what didn’t, and why Eastwood never returned to the world of Clyde.
The Legacy of Clyde and Eastwood’s Unlikely Duo
How Clyde the Orangutan Won Over Audiences
People didn’t expect a big-name star like Clint Eastwood to play off a non-human co-star. But Clyde, with his expressive face and well-timed punches, became a fan favorite. He wasn’t just a sidekick—he was the comic heart of both films.
Kids loved Clyde’s mischief, and adults were drawn to the charm of something so absurd actually working. Clyde gave the films a warm and goofy spirit that balanced Eastwood’s usual tough-guy style.
The Box Office Impact of the First Two Films
Every Which Way But Loose was a surprise hit. It broke expectations and raked in profits. When Any Which Way You Can followed, it rode that wave with more comedy and action.
These weren’t Oscar contenders, but they were crowd-pleasers. At the time, Eastwood was one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. Pairing him with an orangutan didn’t hurt—it helped. So, with two hits in the bag, why didn’t they make a third?
Why a Third Film Was Considered
Studio Pressure vs. Creative Control
After the success of the second film, studios were eager for more. Sequels were already a trend, and continuing the story made financial sense. But Eastwood, who had increasing control over his projects, wasn’t so sure.
He had just proven he could take risks and win. Still, repeating the formula for a third time risked watering it down. Studios wanted money, but Eastwood wanted meaning.
Fan Demand for More Clyde
Audiences were vocal. Kids wore Clyde T-shirts, and adults quoted lines from the films. In many ways, the public was ready and waiting for Clyde’s return. But there was a growing concern: would another movie be more of the same?
Hollywood can be a harsh place for novelty. Once the charm wears off, what’s left? Fans may have wanted more, but Eastwood seemed to sense it wouldn’t hit the same way.
Eastwood’s Changing Career Direction
By the mid-1980s, Clint Eastwood was shifting gears. He was moving away from comedy and getting back into dramatic and directorial work. Films like Pale Rider and Heartbreak Ridge showed his desire to be taken seriously.
Returning to Clyde might have pulled him backward, just when he was aiming forward.
What Stopped the Third Film from Happening
Ethical Concerns Around Animal Actors
Behind the scenes, there were whispers about the treatment of Clyde. While the orangutan captured hearts on screen, animal rights groups started raising concerns off camera. Training exotic animals for movies was getting more attention—and not in a good way.
As the public grew more aware of animal welfare, the charm of using a real orangutan in a comedy began to fade. Eastwood, known for his integrity, likely didn’t want to be tied to a franchise that might raise ethical eyebrows.
Shifting Trends in Hollywood Comedy
The early 1980s saw changes in what people found funny. Slapstick and animal antics were giving way to more edgy, sarcastic, or romantic comedies. Think Ghostbusters, Tootsie, or Beverly Hills Cop.
In this new era, a film about a man and his orangutan might have felt outdated. The market was changing, and Clyde didn’t quite fit anymore.
Eastwood’s Move Toward Dramatic Roles
By stepping into roles with more grit and less giggle, Eastwood was reshaping his image. He was preparing for the next phase of his career—one filled with serious, award-winning work. A third Clyde movie might have clashed with that vision.
The Impact of Not Making a Third Film
Clyde’s Cultural Legacy in Retrospect
Even without a third movie, Clyde left a mark. Few animal characters are as memorable. Whether it was punching a biker, stealing food, or flashing that mischievous grin, Clyde became a pop-culture icon.
He reminded audiences that even Hollywood legends like Eastwood could poke fun at themselves. That’s rare—and valuable.
Could a Trilogy Have Changed Eastwood’s Image?
It’s possible. A third film could have made Clyde an even bigger legend. But it also might have turned Clint Eastwood into a punchline instead of the respected filmmaker he became.
Skipping the third movie helped preserve the surprise and success of the first two. It left fans with good memories instead of worn-out laughs.
Fan Theories and What-If Scenarios
To this day, fans talk about what a third Clyde movie could’ve looked like. A cross-country chase? A reunion years later? Maybe even Clyde helping raise a kid?
These stories live in fan forums and nostalgic interviews. In some ways, the movie we never got became even more interesting than the one we might have seen.
Would a Modern Reboot Work Today?
The Role of CGI vs. Real Animal Actors
Nowadays, real animals are rarely used in major films. CGI has taken over, especially for complex or exotic creatures. If Clyde came back today, he’d likely be animated—not real.
This would solve ethical concerns but might lose the charm of the original films, where Clyde’s real expressions and natural timing added warmth.
Nostalgia Marketing in Today’s Cinema
Nostalgia is big business. We’ve seen reboots of everything from Ghostbusters to Top Gun. A Clyde reboot could happen—but it would need the right tone. It can’t just be silly; it needs heart.
If handled with care, a new version could win old fans and find new ones. But it would take more than just an orangutan in a truck to make it work now.
Ethical Filmmaking in the 2020s
One of the biggest challenges for any reboot would be respecting today’s standards. Films are now judged not just on story and acting—but also on how they’re made. That means fair treatment for all, including animal actors (or the CGI artists who create them).
If Clyde returns, it’ll be on a very different stage than the one he left.
A Comedy That Knew When to Quit
In the end, the story of Clint Eastwood and Clyde the orangutan is one of balance—between fun and fame, heart and headline. The two films they made were hits because they were fresh, funny, and unexpected.
Not making a third film might’ve been the smartest move. It kept the memory clean and the laughs genuine.
Sometimes, Hollywood gets it right by walking away. Clyde may never have returned to the screen, but he’ll always swing through the halls of film history.