EXCLUSIVE: One of 20th Century Studios’ classic Gregory Peck titles is getting a new retelling with one of the films biggest fans on board to help develop. Sources tell Deadline Oscar-nominee Ethan Hawke is on board to pen a new reimagining of the classic Peck western The Gunfighter for 20th Century Studios. Hawke will co-write the script with his writing partner Shelby Gaines. On the directing front, while the hope is he may direct the film once a script is finished, insiders add as of now he only has a deal to write and produce. Insiders also had the film is in early development.
The original film follows the notorious gunfighter Jimmy Ringo (Peck) who rides into town to find his true love, who doesn’t want to see him. He hasn’t come looking for trouble, but trouble finds him around every corner.
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Hawke has talked about how the film is one of his favorite films of all time on TCM’s 2 For 1 with host Ben Mankewiez. In the special Hawke talks about discovering the film as an adult after listening to the Bob Dylan song Brownsville Girl where Dylan mentions a Peck western multiple times in the song. Hawke goes on to say after racking his brain at what film this was, he would reach out to his friend and longtime collaborator, Richard Linklater, who would point him in the right direction. Watch the whole video at the end of the story.
Hawke recently wrote, directed and produced Wildcat starring his Daughter, Maya Hawke. The film made its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. He is repped by CAA and MGMT Entertainment.
Watch the clip below:
