Ryan Reynolds Teams Up with Amazon MGM for Thunderbolt & Lightfoot Remake
Exciting news for movie enthusiasts! Ryan Reynolds, the beloved star known for his charismatic performances, is collaborating with Amazon MGM to create a fresh take on the classic 1974 action-comedy, Thunderbolt & Lightfoot. Originally featuring Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges, this film is set to capture a new generation of audiences.
In this upcoming adaptation, Reynolds is not only poised to take on a leading role but will also produce the film through his production company, Maximum Effort. Joining him in the writing process are talented screenwriters Enzo Mileti and Scott Wilson, who previously worked on the acclaimed fourth season of the comedic crime series Fargo.
Marking a significant milestone in his career, Shane Reid, known for his editing work on Deadpool and Wolverine, will make his directorial debut with this project.
The original Thunderbolt & Lightfoot featured Clint Eastwood as a bank robber posing as a preacher, who finds himself on the run from his former gang, who mistakenly believe he has betrayed them. When he crosses paths with Lightfoot, a small-time thief played by Jeff Bridges, they devise a plan to reunite with the old gang for a new heist. However, their plans quickly spiral out of control, leading to unexpected twists and turns.
This film marked the directorial debut of Michael Cimino, who later won an Academy Award for Best Director for his 1978 film, The Deer Hunter. The original script was penned by Cimino, and Jeff Bridges received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his memorable performance.
The remake presents a fantastic opportunity for an A-list duo, with many fans speculating about a potential reunion of Reynolds and Hugh Jackman—an exciting prospect that has garnered significant buzz among audiences.
Writers Mileti and Wilson have also made their mark as consulting producers on FX’s Snowfall and as staff writers for the MMA drama The Kingdom. They are represented by WME and Untitled Entertainment.
In addition to this project, Reynolds recently signed on to play the villain in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Eloise, based on the beloved children’s book series by Kay Thompson, which he is also producing. Furthermore, he is a producer on the documentary John Candy: I Like Me, celebrating the legacy of the late comedic icon, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and is currently available for streaming on Amazon.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting remake of Thunderbolt & Lightfoot, as Ryan Reynolds continues to captivate audiences with his dynamic projects!
