Ryan Reynolds to Remake '70s Crime Classic 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot' for Amazon MGM Studios

Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds is set to bring a classic back to life with his remake of the 1974 crime film 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot' for Amazon MGM Studios. Reynolds will not only star in the film but also co-write and produce it under his Maximum Effort banner, marking a bold step into crime-thriller territory. The original movie, which starred Jeff Bridges and Clint Eastwood, became a cult favorite and earned Bridges his first Academy Award nomination. 

One of Reynolds' most ambitious non-superhero endeavors to date, the version is expected to preserve the buddy-heist dynamic of the original while modernizing it with darkly humorous and contemporary storytelling aspects.

Revisiting A Cult Gem: The Original Film

Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter

Michael Cimino made his directorial debut with the 1974 film 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot,' which starred Jeff Bridges as the youthful vagabond Lightfoot and Clint Eastwood as John "Thunderbolt" Doherty. In the film, Thunderbolt is a former bank robber hiding out as a preacher, whose past catches up with him; he teams up with Lightfoot, a car‑thief drifter, for a daring heist and to deal with Thunderbolt's old gang and hidden loot. 

With a blend of buddy dynamics, dark humour, action, and road movie elements, Bridges got his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor through the film. Despite earning only $25 million in the United States on a modest budget at the time, it has now become a cult favorite with positive reviews (a Tomatometer of 89%) and is often cited for its offbeat tone and the interplay between Eastwood and Bridges.

Image Courtesy: MovieWeb

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Reynolds Takes the Lead

According to recent reports, Ryan Reynolds is reviving the project and will produce and act in the remake under his Maximum Effort label in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios. In addition, Reynolds is also co-writing the script with writers Scott Wilson and Enzo Mileti, who have both contributed to crime-drama series like 'Snowfall.' Having previously edited movies like 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' Shane Reid will be making his feature directorial debut.

Image Courtesy: Variety

While updating the tone to incorporate darkly humorous and emotionally grounded parts, the plot is anticipated to maintain the central dynamic of a seasoned "robber on the run" teaming up with a younger partner/drifter. Reynolds has indicated a desire to explore crime and thriller territory, marking a shift from his more comedic or superhero roles. Although the entire ensemble has not yet been revealed, it is evident that this project is going to be one of Reynolds' major non-superhero endeavours. 

Meanwhile, Reynolds is also attached to play a villain in the Netflix adaptation of 'Eloise' and produce a documentary on John Candy.

Image Courtesy: Deadline

Why This Matters–Legacy, Expectations and Potential

This remake matters for several reasons. First of all, it brings back a movie that has not been extensively reimagined but has also quietly maintained its cult appeal; the original blended genre elements in a way few later films did. Secondly, Reynolds' co-writing and producing duties indicate a degree of personal interest, which further suggests that the movie is not just a cash-grab replica but could give a new perspective. Third, releasing this under Amazon MGM gives it significant studio backing in an era of streaming and theatrical hybrid models.

Some critics may be concerned that the remake would sacrifice the original's nuanced character development in favour of contemporary spectacle, but fans of the 1974 original will undoubtedly be watching with interest to see how the update maintains the moral ambiguity, the road-movie sense of freedom, and the chemistry between the two stars. 

Image Courtesy: CBR

Since the production schedule is yet unknown, viewers will have to wait for teasers, release dates, and casting announcements. If done well, the new 'Thunderbolt & Lightfoot' has the potential to bring a long-forgotten masterpiece into the present day and give Reynolds a unique opportunity to work outside of his well-known genre.

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