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 revealed he was considering reviving the Peter Gunn TV series by starting with a feature film. Edwards informed Friedkin that Charles Bludhorn, Paramount's new head, wanted an Austrian actress instead of Lola Albright to reprise her role, which Edwards opposed. Edwards asked Friedkin to helm the film but Friedkin believed William Peter Blatty's script was unimpressive, likening it to old TV episodes rather than something fresh.