CBS executives proposed adding a dinosaur as a pet for the title character on Gilligan's Island to compete with Mister Ed. Creator Sherwood Schwartz rejected the idea after learning the cost. The suggestion came from producer Hunt Stromberg Jr.
The proposal involved Gilligan encountering a dinosaur that would serve as his pet. Stromberg told Schwartz, "Just picture it! Gilligan and his pet dinosaur! It's our answer to 'Mister Ed.'"
Bob Denver, who played Gilligan, noted the practical issues. He explained that in a two-shot he would appear tiny next to the creature, making the scene unworkable.
Schwartz checked with Disney animation studios about creating an animated dinosaur similar to the penguins in Mary Poppins. The estimated cost of $75,000 per minute ended the discussion.
Later animated series based on the show did introduce pets, including a monkey named Snubby and an alien named Bumper.