Our favorite Deadpool actor, Ryan Reynolds, is apparently stepping into the director’s mode, as he is on his way to remake the old Hollywood classic and everyone’s favorite buddy crime film, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot. For those who don’t know, the 1974 film that originally brought Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges together.
And honestly, it’s the kind of project that feels tailor-made for Reynolds, who has built a career on blending sharp comedy-driven character with charismatic action. He is apparently teaming up with Amazon MGM and taking on a story that once stood out for its mix of grit, tragedy, and unlikely friendship, and giving it a fresh modern spin. Those who know, they know, if you don’t, then you all should know that the original was written and directed by Michael Cimino before his Oscar-winning success with The Deer Hunter, earning him praise for its offbeat tone and memorable performances.
Writers of Fargo Bring Their Sharp Crime Storytelling to the Thunderbolt and Lightfoot Remake
Keeping everything in mind, Reynolds isn’t just starring as he is producing the film through his company, Maximum Effort, continuing his streak of projects that bridge nostalgia and reinvention. The remake also marks the feature debut of Shane Reid, an editor on Deadpool & Wolverine, which already signals an understanding of the consistency and humor Reynolds gravitates toward, as their collaboration feels like a natural fit for a story that balances crime, tension, and personality.
The script is in the hands of Enzo Mileti and Scott Wilson, known for their work on Fargo Season 4, and their background with crime dramas that mix dark comedy and character depth suggests this take on Thunderbolt and Lightfoot will keep the spirit of the original while sharpening it for a new generation.
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The 1974 film followed a preacher-disguised bank robber hunted by his old crew and a younger thief who becomes his unlikely partner. Bridges received an Oscar nomination for the role, and the dynamic between the two characters made the film stand out among its ’70s peers. With Reynolds now stepping into one of those roles, we have already begun speculating about who might join him. Because the story relies so much on the chemistry between its two leads, some are hoping for a Reynolds–Jackman reunion after their recent success in Deadpool & Wolverine. If that pairing comes together, it would instantly boost excitement around the project.
