Edwards told him he was considering a return of the Peter Gunn television show but would begin by making a Peter Gunn feature film. Edwards told Friedkin that Charles Bludhorn, the new head of Paramount thought Lola Albright "too old" to resume her former role and instead wanted an Austrian actress who Edwards rejected. Edwards wanted Friedkin to direct the film but Friedkin thought William Peter Blatty's script was awful, explaining the script was like some of the old television episodes cobbled together rather than something new and exciting.
Edwards informed him he was contemplating a revival of the Peter Gunn television series but would commence by producing a Peter Gunn feature film. Edwards informed Friedkin that Charles Bludhorn, the new head of Paramount, deemed Lola Albright "too old" to reprise her former part and instead sought an Austrian actress whom Edwards rejected. Edwards wished Friedkin to direct the film but Friedkin thought William Peter Blatty's script was subpar, explaining the script was akin to some of the outdated television episodes cobbled together rather than something innovative and captivating.