The Big Broadway Offer Seth MacFarlane Turned Down

Stage life isn't for everyone. It's grueling work that is often overhyped and underpaid. And yet, despite this, ambitious performers flock en masse to auditions for the chance to sing, dance, and act in front of a crowd. In this way, it can seem baffling for anyone to turn down that opportunity when given a chance. Who does that? As it turns out, Seth MacFarlane does that or at least did. He said no to Broadway. 

The creator of "Family Guy" and "The Orville" is no stranger to music. MacFarlane has recorded eight music albums (according to All Music), including both original tunes and covered tracks. Moreover, he starred in Illumination's anthropomorphic animated musical "Sing" as Mike, a jazzy mouse with Frank Sinatra-level pipes.

So, what Broadway production did MacFarlane turn down, and why? Here's the story and some fun speculation into what could have been a great moment for the theatre community. 

During a 2022 Wired Autocomplete Interview, Seth MacFarlane discussed his near miss with Broadway. He said, "I have not been on Broadway. No, I remember years ago getting offered to come do 'Spamalot,' but I was too busy making 'Family Guy,' and, as attractive as that offer was, the timing didn't work out. But it's not out of the realm of possibility. I'm certainly open to it." Okay, for those unfamiliar, "Spamalot" probably sounds really bad, but hear us out. It's a musical rendition of the 1975 cult classic "Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail." 

In brief, it's an irreverent satire based on the legend of King Arthur that pokes fun at Broadway and anything else within reach. If anyone's still confused, the title is a lyrical joke made to rhyme with King Arthur's kingdom of residence.   

MacFarlane turned down "Spamalot." The question, then, is one of pure speculation. Which role was he offered? Given his status as a celebrity, and the way Broadway stunt casting (a term which means the insertion of a star into an already established production to boost sales) typically goes, it's probable that he was offered King Arthur, a role originated by Tim Curry. Given MacFarlane's long relationship with music and comedy, it feels as though "Spamalot" would have been the perfect Broadway introduction for him.