Ryan Reynolds is set to star in and produce a modern remake of the 1974 crime action comedy “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot“. The new film will reunite Reynolds with Shane Reid, the editor of his blockbuster hit Deadpool & Wolverine, who will make his directorial debut with the project. The project is in development at Amazon MGM, with Reynolds producing through his Maximum Effort production banner.
The New Creative Team
The screenplay for the remake is being written by Scott Wilson and Enzo Mileti, the writing duo known for their work on the acclaimed fourth season of Fargo. Reynolds is also actively involved in the script’s development. This new team aims to put a contemporary spin on the original buddy film, updating the story for a new generation of moviegoers.
The original 1974 film was the feature-length directorial debut for Michael Cimino, who also wrote the script. It was produced by Clint Eastwood’s Malpaso Productions.
Revisiting the Original Story
The original Thunderbolt and Lightfoot is a road picture and heist film that follows the story of two main characters. Clint Eastwood played John “Thunderbolt” Doherty, a former bank robber hiding in plain sight as a preacher. Jeff Bridges played the role of “Lightfoot,” a cheerful and irreverent young drifter.
The plot begins when Lightfoot accidentally saves Thunderbolt from an assassin. The two form an unlikely partnership and go on the run. They are pursued by Thunderbolt’s old gang, who believe he betrayed them and stole the loot from their last job. To resolve the situation, Lightfoot devises a plan for the group to pull the same audacious bank heist all over again. The original heist was notable for Thunderbolt using a 20mm anti-aircraft cannon to blast open a vault, a method he is forced to repeat.
The original film was both a critical and commercial success. Made on a modest budget of approximately $2.2 million, it earned $25 million at the box office. Jeff Bridges received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Lightfoot.
Casting the New Duo
While Ryan Reynolds is locked in to star, it has not been officially confirmed which of the two iconic lead roles he will play. The original film was a definitive two-hander, and the remake is expected to cast another high-profile actor to play opposite Reynolds.
Speculation among fans immediately suggests his frequent co-star Hugh Jackman as a potential fit, given their proven chemistry in Deadpool & Wolverine. However, no official offers have been announced for the second lead role.
The original film also featured strong supporting performances from George Kennedy as the volatile Red Leary and Geoffrey Lewis as the more gentle Eddie Goody. Casting for these roles in the remake has not yet been revealed.
A Look at the Original’s Legacy
The original Thunderbolt and Lightfoot holds a strong 89% approval rating on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. It is remembered as an underrated gem in Clint Eastwood’s filmography and a standout film from the 1970s. Critics and fans often praise the film for its unique blend of action, comedy, and character-driven drama, particularly the chemistry between Eastwood and Bridges.
Jeff Bridges is ace as “Lightfoot” in this movie. There simply would be no movie without him. He steals the movie away.
The film’s ending is also notable for its emotional impact, a departure from the more straightforward action movies of its time.
Ryan Reynolds’s Evolving Career
This project marks another interesting career choice for Ryan Reynolds, who is expanding his repertoire beyond the comedic roles he is most known for. Following the massive success of Deadpool & Wolverine, Reynolds is taking on a variety of new projects.
He is also attached to star in Eloise at Netflix, where he will play a villainous character, and is involved in the upcoming film Animal Friends. The Thunderbolt and Lightfoot remake allows him to further develop his action star credentials while working within a classic buddy film framework.
The remake of “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot” does not yet have a scheduled release date.
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