Ryan Reynolds is set to star and produce in the remake of the 1974 action-comedy Thunderbolt & Lightfoot, currently in development by Amazon MGM Studios. This new project reunites Reynolds with his Maximum Effort banner, as he aims to bring fresh energy to the classic film.
A New Director and Writing Team Join Forces
Shane Reid, known for his editing work on Deadpool and Wolverine, will make his feature directorial debut with this remake. Reynolds is collaborating on the script alongside Enzo Mileti and Scott Wilson, writers recognized for their work on FX’s Fargo season four and the crime drama Snowfall, as well as the MMA film The Kingdom starring Frank Grillo.
Background of the Original Film
The original Thunderbolt & Lightfoot marked Michael Cimino’s directorial debut and starred Clint Eastwood as an experienced bank robber. Eastwood’s character partners with a reckless young drifter, played by Jeff Bridges, for a high-stakes heist. The blend of action, dark humor, and buddy-movie appeal made the film memorable, earning Bridges an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Reynolds’ Expanding Role in Hollywood
Reynolds’ production company, Maximum Effort, remains a prominent name in the industry, recently renewing its first-look deal with Paramount. His upcoming roles include playing a villain in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Eloise, which he is also producing, and providing voice work for Animal Friends, an animated collaboration between Legendary and Warner Bros. slated for release next summer.
Anticipation for the Remake and Reynolds’ Approach
Reynolds’ blend of humor, emotion, and action positions him well to reimagine Thunderbolt & Lightfoot for modern audiences. This remake represents an opportunity to revisit a cult classic with a new perspective, under the guidance of a rising director and a talented writing team.
“Reynolds is co-writing the script with Enzo Mileti and Scott Wilson, the duo behind FX’s Fargo season four and the crime drama Snowfall.” – Source
