Error during authentication for model o1: Rate limited by Puter.js API. Try again after 60 seconds.

by

The classic Western film “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” starring Clint Eastwood, is one of the finest western productions from the 1970s. It’s an exceptional revenge tale where a tormented gunslinger confronts those who slaughtered his family following the American Civil War. Featuring a multidimensional hero, superb scriptwriting, and Eastwood’s masterful direction, it’s not surprising that the movie eventually led to a sequel in 1986 titled “The Return of Josey Wales” – a film that Eastwood had no interest in reprising.

In a follow-up that emerged a full decade later, “The Return of Josey Wales” featured Michael Parks stepping into the shoes previously filled by Clint Eastwood in this largely overlooked sequel. The story continues from where the first movie left off. Given the enduring success and praise that “The Outlaw Josey Wales” has garnered over time, it might initially seem unusual that Eastwood chose not to reprise his role as the legendary gunfighter. However, the experienced Hollywood actor appears to have made a wise choice, as “The Return of Josey Wales” was a commercial disappointment whose underdeveloped plot failed to meet the high standards set by the original film.

Clint Eastwood Didn’t Appear In The Return Of Josey Wales, Despite The Original Movie’s Success

A Follow-up Seemed Likely At The Time

Following its 1976 release, The Outlaw Josey Wales was warmly received by both critics and viewers, garnering praise for Clint Eastwood’s daring direction and the exceptional acting of its ensemble cast, particularly Chief Dan George’s portrayal of Lone Watie. Given Eastwood’s past success as “The Man With No Name” in Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy, a sequel featuring Eastwood as Josey Wales seemed almost predestined; however, such a follow-up never materialized.

I find it intriguing that Clint Eastwood didn’t reprise his role as Josey Wales in “The Return of Josey Wales” back in 1986, and it seems the studio opted to move forward without him, selecting actor Michael Parks to fill the shoes instead. Based on the second novel from the Josey Wales series by writer Asa Carter, “The Return of Josey Wales” received a cold reception upon its debut, mainly due to Eastwood’s absence and the rather underwhelming storyline centering around an uninspiring revenge plot for the murder of Wales’ friend in Mexico.

The Return of Josey Wales Would’ve Been One Of Clint Eastwood’s Worst Movies

Eastwood Preserved His Reputation By Not Doing The Film

Even though Michael Parks may not possess the commanding screen presence that Clint Eastwood is renowned for, whose gaze is arguably as iconic as the moon landing, the 1986 film “The Return of Josey Wales” would not have been improved by Eastwood’s involvement. In essence, the story revolves around Josey Wales’ peaceful life in Texas being brutally disrupted when he learns that one of his cherished friends has been murdered by a crooked Mexican lawman. Consequently, Wales bids his family goodbye and crosses the border to exact revenge, embarking on a journey marked by violence and retribution.

In simpler terms, the story of the movie fails to match the seriousness and emotional impact of its original counterpart. If Clint Eastwood had starred in the sequel, “The Return of The Outlaw Josey Wales,” it might have been seen as one of his weaker films, potentially harming his image as a legendary Western figure. While his charisma would’ve made the movie more notable, Eastwood wisely decided against reprising his role as the formidable Josey Wales in this mediocre sequel.

Read More

2025-05-23 23:44