Ryan Reynolds is set to headline and produce a modern remake of the 1974 action-comedy classic Thunderbolt & Lightfoot, originally starring Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges. The project, backed by Amazon MGM Studios, will mark the directorial debut of Shane Reid — the editor behind Deadpool & Wolverine.
A Classic Reimagined
The original Thunderbolt & Lightfoot followed Eastwood as a bank robber posing as a preacher, who crosses paths with a street thief named Lightfoot, played by Jeff Bridges. The unlikely duo teams up for a high-stakes bank heist that doesn’t quite go as planned. The film, written and directed by Michael Cimino — who later won an Oscar for The Deer Hunter — earned Bridges an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Reynolds Takes the Lead
In the upcoming remake, Reynolds will not only star but also produce through his company Maximum Effort. He’s collaborating on the screenplay with Enzo Mileti and Scott Wilson, known for their work on Fargo Season 4 and FX’s Snowfall.
Industry chatter suggests the film could serve as another big-screen two-hander for Reynolds, possibly reuniting him with Deadpool & Wolverine co-star Hugh Jackman — a pairing fans have been hoping to see again.
Behind the Scenes
Shane Reid, who’s worked closely with Reynolds on editing projects, will make his directorial debut with Thunderbolt & Lightfoot. The remake aims to balance action, dark humour, and heart — much like the original, which became a cult favourite for its offbeat charm and chemistry between Eastwood and Bridges.
Reynolds’ Busy Slate
The announcement adds to Reynolds’ growing list of projects. He recently signed on to play the villain in Netflix’s upcoming Eloise live-action adaptation, co-starring Amy Sherman-Palladino. He’s also producing John Candy: I Like Me, a documentary on the late comedy icon that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is now streaming on Amazon.
Final Words:
Ryan Reynolds seems to be diving deeper into the world of genre-bending classics, and Thunderbolt & Lightfoot could be the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern energy. With his signature wit and a solid creative team behind the scenes, this remake has the potential to bring a 1970s buddy-heist gem to a whole new generation.
