Ethan Hawke, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in Moon Knight, Batwheels, and The Black Phone, is gearing up to co-write and potentially direct a modern remake of the classic Western film The Gunfighter, originally helmed by Henry King and featuring Gregory Peck. This exciting project is currently in the early stages of development at 20th Century Studios. As reported by Deadline, Hawke is collaborating with Shelby Gaines on the screenplay. He is set to portray the character Jimmy Ringo, a notorious gunslinger whose quest for love leads him into a web of conflict as he arrives in town searching for his true love, only to find that she wishes to avoid him. Despite his intentions, Ringo’s journey is fraught with danger and challenges. Although he is not officially signed on to direct, Hawke may take on this role as well.

The original The Gunfighter, which debuted in 1950, features an impressive cast including Gregory Peck as the infamous gunslinger Jimmy Ringo, alongside Helen Westcott as Peggy Walsh and Millard Mitchell portraying Marshal Mark Strett. Ethan Hawke has previously expressed his admiration for the original film during an interview with TMC?s 2 For 1 host, Ben Mankiewicz. He recounted how he discovered this cinematic gem after listening to Bob Dylan’s Brownsville Girl, where the legendary musician pays homage to Gregory Peck?s iconic role in the Western genre, showcasing the film?s enduring influence on popular culture.

Currently, Ethan Hawke’s schedule is packed with a remarkable nine projects in various stages of production, highlighting his versatility and commitment to storytelling. Recently, he completed filming for The Black Phone 2, a highly anticipated sequel to Scott Derrickson?s chilling 2021 horror blockbuster. This film follows young Finney, portrayed by Mason Thames, who is kidnapped by a mysterious masked killer known as The Grabber, also played by Hawke. While trapped in a basement, Finney discovers a disconnected phone that mysteriously connects him to the voices of The Grabber’s previous victims. These voices guide him in crafting a daring escape plan, but the stakes are high as The Grabber becomes aware of Finney’s intentions. Fans are eager to see how the events unfold in this gripping follow-up, featuring returning cast members like Madeline McGraw, who plays Finney’s sister Gwen.

The announcement of Ethan Hawke’s involvement in the remake of Gregory Peck?s The Gunfighter has sparked excitement among fans and cinephiles alike. Are you looking forward to this fresh take on a classic? Have you had the chance to watch the original film, and what are your thoughts on its legacy? Our Editor-in-Chief, Chris Bumbray, shares similar sentiments and is eager to see how Hawke interprets this iconic story. We invite you to share your opinions in the comments section below and join the conversation about this thrilling new project.

Learn More About Steve Seigh, Your Go-To Film Expert

Steve Seigh, originally from New York and now residing in Canada, has been a dedicated editor, columnist, and critic at JoBlo.com since 2012. He began his journey with the column Ink & Pixel, which celebrates the enchanting world of animation and its evolution over the years. Steve also launched a companion YouTube series, Animation Movies Revisited, to further explore this captivating subject. Additionally, he hosts the Talking Comics Podcast, a lively audio show that delves into the realms of comic books, film, music, and much more. Known for his passion for storytelling, you?ll often find Steve with headphones on and a plate of pancakes by his side, embodying the spirit of a true enthusiast.