Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds is adding another exciting project to his already impressive portfolio. The Deadpool actor is set to star in and produce a modern remake of the 1974 classic film Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, according to recent industry reports.
A Modern Take on a Classic Buddy Film
The original Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, released in 1974, was directed by Michael Cimino and starred legendary actors Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges. The film followed the story of a retired thief and a young drifter who team up for a heist. The project earned Jeff Bridges an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, cementing its place in cinematic history.
Ryan Reynolds will not only star in the remake but will also produce the film through his production company, Maximum Effort. The project reunites him with director David Leitch, with whom he previously collaborated on the 2022 action-comedy The Adam Project and the 2021 film Free Guy. This marks their third collaboration, suggesting a strong creative partnership between the actor and director.
Behind the Scenes Talent
The screenplay for the remake is being written by Michael Gilio, whose previous work includes the 2020 film Knights of the Mediterranean. The project will be distributed by 20th Century Studios, ensuring wide theatrical release and significant studio backing.
Ryan Reynolds continues to be one of Hollywood's most bankable stars, with recent successful projects including the Deadpool franchise, Free Guy, and The Adam Project. His involvement in the Thunderbolt and Lightfoot remake brings considerable star power and commercial viability to the project.
The original film's director, Michael Cimino, later achieved greater fame for directing the Oscar-winning 1978 film The Deer Hunter. The decision to remake Thunderbolt and Lightfoot comes at a time when Hollywood is increasingly looking to classic films for new interpretations that can appeal to modern audiences.
What This Means for Reynolds' Career
This project represents another strategic move in Ryan Reynolds' career, which has seen him successfully transition from comedy roles to action-hero status while maintaining his signature wit and charm. The Thunderbolt and Lightfoot remake allows him to explore the buddy-action genre while putting his own spin on a character originally played by Clint Eastwood.
The timing of this announcement is particularly interesting given Reynolds' other ongoing projects, including potential future Deadpool films and his various business ventures. It demonstrates his ability to balance multiple high-profile projects while continuing to expand his range as an actor and producer.
While specific details about the remake's plot adjustments remain under wraps, industry insiders expect the film to maintain the core relationship dynamics that made the original so memorable while updating the setting and context for contemporary audiences. The project is expected to begin production once Reynolds completes his current commitments.
This remake joins a growing list of classic films being reimagined for new generations, though the combination of Ryan Reynolds' star power and David Leitch's directorial vision suggests this could be one of the more successful attempts at revitalizing a beloved property.
