The Gunfighter

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Reportedly, Ethan Hawke is contemplating a comeback to the Western genre, with talks underway for him to pen and produce a modern take on the 1950 classic “The Gunfighter.” As of now, Deadline exclusively reports that Hawke will collaborate with his writing partner Shelby Gaines on the script. However, it’s possible that Hawke may also assume directorial duties for this project, which is currently in its early development stages. It’s worth noting that this isn’t Hawke’s first foray into remaking Western films.

The initial movie follows the tale of Jimmy Ringo, an old-timer with a questionable past as a deadly gunfighter and killer, who yearns to reconnect with his wife (Helen Westcott) and a son he wasn’t aware of, all while trying to break free from his infamous persona. The movie’s depiction of the Wild West’s lawlessness and the repercussions of violence contributed to its status as a genre staple, and having Hawke on board for the remake will certainly enhance the storyline.

Prior to “The Gunfighter”, Hawke had previously appeared in the Antoine Fuqua-directed remake of “The Magnificent Seven”. This movie boasted an impressive ensemble cast including Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, and Vincent D’Onofrio, amongst others. Although his directing role for “The Gunfighter” hasn’t been confirmed yet, his background as a director for films such as “Wildcat” and the 2023 Flannery O’Connor biopic (co-written with Gaines) certainly places him in contention for future directorial opportunities.

‘The Gunfighter’ Has the Potential to be a Modern Classic

Ethan Hawke, a passionate film enthusiast, has frequently expressed his admiration and reverence for the movie “The Gunfighter” in previous conversations. This appreciation dates back even before it made headlines by Deadline. In an interview on TCM’s program “Two for One“, Hawke stated that this film ranks among his top favorites of all time. He came across the movie through his long-term collaborator, Richard Linklater, and described it as “the best Western that isn’t widely recognized.” If the remake is successfully produced, it’s hoped that “The Gunfighter” will regain significance and inspire others to explore the original version.

Although Deadline’s review of the film doesn’t specifically confirm Ethan Hawke’s involvement, given his versatile talent, it wouldn’t be surprising if he were part of the project. Taking on the roles of writing, acting in, and directing a Western movie is quite challenging, similar to tasks Clint Eastwood has handled, like his work in the 1992 film “Unforgiven,” where he directed, produced, and starred, although he didn’t write it. In “The Gunfighter,” Gregory Peck was 34 when the movie was released. However, the character could have been portrayed as an older gunfighter to emphasize the idea of an aging gunslinger yearning to leave behind his violent past and reputation.

20th Century Studios plans to distribute a film that has the capability to rejuvenate the once dormant Western genre, which many have deemed stale. Previously, actor Ethan Hawke has expressed his desire to revitalize this genre and has played roles in numerous Westerns, including Ti West’s 2016 movie “In a Valley of Violence”. Hawke’s extensive career spanning from the Marvel TV series “Moon Knight” to Richard Linklater’s long-term project, the “Before Trilogy”, demonstrates his expertise and suggests that his potential directorial work on “The Gunfighter” could make it a valuable contribution to the Western genre.

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2025-02-05 16:01