Ethan Hawke is reportedly returning to the Western genre, as Deadline has exclusively revealed that the actor is in talks to write and produce a reimagining of The Gunfighter, a classic Western released in 1950. The film is still in the early stages of development, with the report stating that Hawke is only set to co-write it with his collaborator Shelby Gaines. However, that could change later, as Hawke might also take on the role of director. This would not be the actor’s first time helping to remake a Western.
The original film tells the gripping story of aging gunfighter Jimmy Ringo, portrayed by Gregory Peck, whose attempts to escape his notorious reputation as a gunslinger meet his desire to reunite with his estranged wife and a son he never knew he had. The portrayal of lawlessness and the consequences of violence in the frontier made the original The Gunfighter a classic in the genre. With Ethan Hawke’s involvement, audiences can expect a fresh take that elevates the source material to new heights.
Before his undertaking with The Gunfighter, Hawke starred in the remake of The Magnificent Seven, directed by Antoine Fuqua, which featured an ensemble cast including Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, and Vincent D’Onofrio. Although it has not yet been confirmed that Hawke will direct this remake, his directorial experience, previously showcased in films like Wildcat, positions him as a viable candidate for the role. In 2023, he co-wrote and directed the Flannery O’Connor biopic, further solidifying his versatility as an artist.
As a dedicated film fan, Ethan Hawke has expressed a long-standing appreciation for The Gunfighter. In an interview on TCM’s Two for One, he described the film as one of his all-time favorites. Hawke discovered the movie through his long-time collaborator Richard Linklater, and he referred to it as “the best Western that isn’t famous.” This admiration bodes well for the potential success of the remake, as Hawke’s passion for the original film may inspire a revitalization that encourages viewers to explore the classic.
Meanwhile, Hawke is also set to star in ‘Eddington,’ a film that features Pedro Pascal and Austin Butler, which is preparing for its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May. Although Deadline’s report does not specifically mention Hawke starring in The Gunfighter, the multi-talented actor’s propensity for wearing many hats in filmmaking can’t be underestimated. This endeavor, where Hawke potentially writes, acts, and directs, echoes the path taken by legendary actors like Clint Eastwood, who helmed the acclaimed film Unforgiven in 1992.
The Gunfighter’s original star, Gregory Peck, was only 34 when the movie was released. However, the character may experience an age increase in the remake, further emphasizing the themes of an aging gunfighter attempting to escape a life steeped in violence. The film, which 20th Century Studios will distribute, could serve to revitalize the long-considered stagnant Western genre.
Hawke has previously spoken in interviews about his desire to breathe new life into this cinematic category. His résumé boasts a diverse array of Westerns, including Ti West’s 2016 movie In a Valley of Violence. From his diverse roles in the Marvel television series Moon Knight to Linklater’s Before Trilogy, Ethan Hawke’s accomplished career illustrates his depth as an actor, which may translate effectively to bringing The Gunfighter to a new generation. This exciting project has the potential to leave a significant impact on the Western landscape of film, captivating both new audiences and longtime fans of the genre.
