Ryan Reynolds has always shown a knack for mixing charm and humor with action, and now he is set to revisit one of the most iconic buddy crime films of the 1970s. The actor is teaming up with Amazon MGM to remake ‘Thunderbolt and Lightfoot,’ a 1974 classic that originally starred Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges. The original film was written and directed by Michael Cimino, who would later win an Academy Award for ‘The Deer Hunter.’ This new version gives Reynolds another chance to blend classic Hollywood storytelling with his own brand of quick wit and modern sensibility.
Reynolds is not only starring in the film but also producing it through his production company, Maximum Effort. He has been developing projects that combine nostalgia with new perspectives, and Thunderbolt and Lightfoot fits that mold perfectly. The remake will be directed by Shane Reid, who previously worked as an editor on Deadpool & Wolverine. This marks Reid’s directorial debut, which adds another layer of excitement since he already understands Reynolds’ comedic timing and creative rhythm.
Writers of Fargo Bring Their Sharp Crime Storytelling to the Thunderbolt and Lightfoot Remake
The screenplay is being written by Enzo Mileti and Scott Wilson, a writing team best known for their work on Fargo Season 4. They have also written for Snowfall and The Kingdom, which shows their experience with crime dramas that mix tension and dark humor. Their involvement suggests that the remake will keep the gritty spirit of the original while updating it for modern audiences.
The 1974 version followed a preacher-disguised bank robber, played by Eastwood, who is hunted by his old gang after they believe he betrayed them. He crosses paths with a younger thief, Lightfoot, played by Bridges, and together they plan a new heist with the same crew. The film combined crime, humor, and tragedy, earning Bridges an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Cimino’s sharp dialogue and offbeat tone made it stand out among other crime films of its time.
Fans are already speculating about who might join Reynolds in the new version. The project has been described as an ideal two-hander, which means it could feature another major star alongside him. Many are hoping to see Reynolds reunite with Hugh Jackman after their chemistry in Deadpool & Wolverine. If that happens, it would undoubtedly draw attention from both action and comedy fans.
Ryan Reynolds Expands His Creative Slate with New Roles, Productions, and a Tribute to John Candy
According to The Hollywood Reporter, this project adds to Reynolds’ busy schedule. He recently signed on to play the villain in Netflix’s live-action Eloise, based on the beloved children’s books. He is also producing a documentary titled John Candy: I Like Me, which celebrates the life and legacy of the late comedian. With his growing list of creative ventures, Reynolds continues to balance his roles as actor, producer, and storyteller.
The Thunderbolt and Lightfoot remake gives him a chance to honor a piece of film history while reshaping it for a new audience. It will be interesting to see how the latest version approaches the partnership between the two leads and whether it keeps the balance of humor and melancholy that made the original so memorable. For longtime fans of classic cinema and modern action comedies alike, this project feels like a bridge between eras that reminds us why buddy crime stories remain timeless.
