10 Exciting Upcoming Westerns That Will Revive the Genre!

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Contrary to popular belief that the Western genre faded away in the 1960s due to various factors like network changes, parental pressure, and oversaturation, it continues to survive with a stronghold in the 2020s. Although it’s not as prominent as its glory days from the 1940s to 1960s, contemporary Westerns continue to generate decent revenues at the box office and even stronger reviews from critics.

Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a resurgence in the western genre, and it’s all thanks to hits like “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” “The Power of the Dog,” and even Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.” This revival has prompted movie studios to invest in numerous western productions. Among these upcoming releases, there are ten that have us at MovieWeb genuinely thrilled.

10
Billy the Kid Biopic

The wave of biographical films in Hollywood isn’t slowing down, and this list serves as proof. One of the most exciting upcoming westerns is the planned “Billy the Kid” biopic, featuring Barry Keoghan in the lead role as the famed outlaw gunman. The script was written by Hunter Andrews, while Ed Guiney, who has previously collaborated with Keoghan on “The Killing of a Sacred Deer,” is producing.

A New Take on the Legend

Keoghan has frequently expressed his excitement for the upcoming film, which is partly fueled by his personal connections to the historical character. Both men hail from Ireland and experienced the loss of their mothers at a young age. The upcoming biopic aims to present the legendary outlaw in a fresh perspective. In an interview with Deadline, Keoghan shared his thoughts on the project.

I aimed to move beyond the image constructed by the media about his life and understand the stress he might have experienced in those early years. He seemed like he was always running away from something. In some ways, I could relate to Billy because he was very close to his mother, but unlike him, I chose to channel my circumstances into something productive instead of reacting against them.

9
Blood Meridian

It appears that the highly anticipated Western movie “Blood Meridian” is being directed by John Hillcoat, who will bring to life Cormac McCarthy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. This will be the second adaptation of one of McCarthy’s Western novels for the big screen; the Coen Brothers previously transformed “No Country for Old Men” into a gripping neo-western in 2007. Notably, Hillcoat has experience adapting McCarthy’s works, having turned his post-apocalyptic masterpiece, “The Road,” into a BAFTA-nominated film back in 2009.

A Dark and Violent Tale

In a forthcoming film version, the grim, dark atmosphere that’s characteristic of McCarthy’s work will be preserved. The story revolves around a 14-year-old boy named the Kid, who is caught up in the violent westward expansion of the 1850s, during which Native Americans were brutally killed for their scalps. There isn’t much information about this upcoming adaptation yet, except that director John Hillcoat has enlisted John Logan to write the script, following McCarthy’s unfortunate demise in June 2023. Currently, the movie is being made, and Hillcoat appears enthusiastic about the project’s progress.

We’ve been dreaming and brainstorming for years about transforming this masterpiece into a film, discussing adaptation ideas with Cormac. Now, we’re thrilled to have John Logan on board, who shares our passion and grasp of Cormac’s artistic spirit, helping us bring Blood Meridian to the big screen.

8
Cottonmouth

As a die-hard Western movie enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for something fresh and original in that genre. And it seems like director Brock Harris has heard my call with his upcoming flick, Cottonmouth. Unlike the recent Westerns I’ve seen, this one isn’t adapted from a book or based on real events – it’s an all-new tale!

What sets Cottonmouth apart is its stellar cast. Martin Sensmeier, who left quite an impression in Westworld, will lead the way, with Ron Perlman, Esai Morales, Eric Nelsen, and Jonathan Sadowski rounding out a powerhouse ensemble.

Though the release date hasn’t been finalized yet, Cottonmouth is slated to make its debut at the 2025 Mammoth Film Festival. Can’t wait to see this one on the big screen!

A Classic Story of Rivalry in the West

The character Cottonmouth seems to draw its storyline from classic narratives revolving around vengeance and competition. A feud with the local saloon owner leads to Ed’s capture by a bounty hunter, who sends him to a harsh prison under the watch of Perlman’s merciless warden. During his imprisonment, Ed vows to break free and inflict severe retribution on his adversary.

7
Eddington

If you’re a fan of Ari Aster’s films, particularly his work with Joaquin Phoenix in “Beau Is Afraid”, get ready for them to venture into the Western genre! Titled “Eddington“, this original neo-western is said to be a long-cherished project for Aster. During an AMA on Reddit, Aster mentioned Eddington when discussing his debut feature, Midsommar. Interestingly, he shared that he struggled between making either Midsommar or Eddington as his first film, indicating that the production of this modern Western has been ongoing for over five years.

A Dark, Western Comedy

It’s great news that the film, titled “Eddington,” has premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and will be released globally on June 18, 2025. Given Aster’s penchant for dark comedy, we can expect a unique take on Western genre themes. The story revolves around a couple who find themselves stranded in a small town named Eddington while traveling from New Mexico to Los Angeles when their vehicle runs out of gas. As they struggle to find assistance, the peaceful town transforms into a chilling ordeal as darkness falls, trapping the couple in a terrifying predicament.

6
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapters 3 and 4

The upcoming film titled “Horizon: An American Saga” is poised to become one of the most daring Western series in contemporary cinema. Led by Kevin Costner, who stars and directs, this project has been a long-cherished dream for Costner and he’s personally financed a significant amount to kickstart it. One of the exciting elements of “Horizon” is its talented ensemble cast. In addition to Costner, this film will also showcase actors such as Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Sienna Miller, Abbey Lee, Giovanni Ribisi, Michael Rooker, and Danny Huston.

The Start of a Franchise

The series, titled “Horizon: An American Saga,” delves into a 15-year stretch of U.S. history preceding and following the Civil War. The first two chapters have already been released; the first chapter, “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1,” debuted in theaters on June 28, 2024, while the second chapter premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 7, 2025. The release dates for Chapters 3 and 4 are yet to be announced. Production on Chapter 3 commenced alongside Chapter 2 in 2023 but was put on hold due to a writers’ strike. At the Venice Film Festival in 2024, Kevin Costner shared this information.

“I don’t know how I’m gonna make [Chapter 3] right now, but I’m gonna make it..”

5
The Harder They Fall 2

In recent years, as Westerns have fallen out of mainstream favor, fewer production studios are approving sequels for new Western films. However, Netflix is bucking this trend and creating a second installment, titled “The Harder They Fall 2“. The original film drew inspiration from real African-American figures of that era and served as an original story.

Still Proceeding Despite Complications

The sequel was first revealed by director Jeymes Samuel in response to a fan’s question. Lately, the production has faced troubles due to the controversy surrounding its main actor, Jonathan Majors, and his court case verdict. At this point, Netflix hasn’t declared that the project has been cancelled, causing some speculation that the movie might rewrite Majors’ character. As of now, no official release date has been set.

4
Wind River: The Next Chapter

The highly anticipated sequel to Taylor Sheridan’s neo-Western crime thriller, Wind River: The Next Chapter, is on its way, even though the original creator isn’t part of the project this time. The film, set in the chilling landscapes of Wyoming once again, promises to be just as captivating. Directed by Kari Skogland (known for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) and written by Patrick Massett and John Zinman, the movie revolves around Martin Sensmeier’s character, Chip Hanson, who returns to take center stage. Alongside him will be Gil Birmingham, Jason Clarke, Scott Eastwood, Chaske Spencer, Alan Ruck, Kali Reis, and Tatanka Means.

Returning to the Reservation

The narrative unfolds around Chip, who’s now a tracker for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, assisting the FBI in untangling a string of ritualistic murders on the reservation. The initial film was a chilling thriller, delving deep into life on the reservation with unflinching authenticity. Its upcoming installment focuses more on Hanson and is anticipated to be successful. However, despite filming finishing in 2023, as of early 2025, there’s been no official word on its release date yet.

3
Kate Warne Biopic (Untitled)

2023 saw Amazon Studios revealing plans to adapt the captivating real-life tale of Kate Warne, America’s first female detective, into a Western biopic. This upcoming film will feature Emily Blunt in the lead role. The production of this movie is being handled by Seven Bucks Productions, led by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia. Directing duties will be taken on by Jaume Collet-Serra, known for his work on ‘Black Adam’, while the screenplay will be penned by Gustin Nash.

An Untold Story

Allison Warne was a pioneer within the Pinkerton Detective Agency and played a significant part in preventing an assassination attempt on Abraham Lincoln in 1861. Although her impact might be understated, she ignited a change that cannot be disregarded. It would definitely be intriguing if this story were to become a film, as the production is currently being worked on. As of now, the movie doesn’t have a title, but it has been characterized as an “exciting action thriller” by those involved in its development.

2
Last Train to Fortune

In a fresh twist on classic frontier stories, the upcoming Western film titled “Last Train to Fortune” promises an enjoyable blend of timeless adventure and heartfelt themes of camaraderie. Directed by Adam Rifkin (known for his work on “Detroit Rock City“), this production features a compelling script penned by Michele Rifkin. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Malcolm McDowell, Mary Steenburgen, Bernadette Peters, James Paxton, and Laura Marano.

Classic Western with Charm

The plot of the movie “Last Train to Fortune” revolves around two unusual companions, Cecil Peachtree, a schoolteacher, and Dooley, an outlaw. They form an alliance to face dangerous gunfights and rowdy saloon brawls as they journey towards Fortune. This tale is about endurance and friendship, but it also has a fascinating backstory. The movie was initially conceptualized in the 1990s, with Bill Paxton envisioned for the role of Dooley. However, things didn’t work out as planned (McDowell portrays Cecil and Paxton stars as Dooley), but the fact that the film is now being completed means that fans won’t have to wait much longer for its release.

1
The Pinkerton

Jason Bateman will be taking on the role of director for “The Pinkerton”, a supernatural Western that combines a chilling mystery with historical suspense. This film, produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot, is their initial original production following their deal with Warner Bros. The script was written by Daniel Casey, who also contributed to “F9: The Fast Saga”.

Revenge Western with a Supernatural Twist

As a fervent advocate, allow me to share my excitement about the upcoming tale centered around the dynamic Pinkertons, a renowned private security and detective agency, brainchild of the tenacious Scotsman, Allan Pinkerton. Known for his daring exploits, like foiling an assassination attempt on Abraham Lincoln, and later serving as Lincoln’s personal security during the tumultuous Civil War, this tale promises to be nothing short of riveting. Though the specifics about casting are being kept secret at present, I can confidently say that with Batesman’s proven track record directing a 2013 film and an Emmy-winning episode of Ozark, The Pinkerton saga is certain to be a production well worth the anticipation.

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2025-05-25 02:41