Hawke to Co-Write Remake of Classic Western

Ethan Hawke has signed on to co-write a modern take on the 75-year-old film The Gunfighter for 20th Century Studios, studio insiders confirmed Saturday.

The acclaimed actor and filmmaker’s involvement revives interest in the 1950 Western, which holds a rare 100 percent Rotten Tomatoes score. Hawke’s deal positions him as writer and producer, with hopes he may direct and possibly appear in the project-though no acting commitment has been finalized.

Nut Graf

Hawke’s entry into the remake underscores Hollywood’s ongoing trend of tapping veteran talent to rejuvenate beloved properties. His dual role as writer-producer brings creative continuity from concept to screen, signaling the studio’s confidence in his vision and in revitalizing a genre stalwart for contemporary audiences.

Project Overview

• Title: The Gunfighter (Working Title)
• Original Release: 1950, Universal Pictures
• New Take: Co-written by Ethan Hawke and Shelby Gaines for 20th Century Studios
• Hawke’s Role: Screenwriter and producer; potential director and star under discussion
• Development Stage: Early; no production or release dates set

Background and Next Steps

Hawke, 54, joins forces with writing partner Shelby Gaines as the studio seeks to balance reverence for the original with fresh storytelling. While 20th Century hopes Hawke will direct, finalizing that arrangement remains under negotiation. No cast announcements or production timeline have been released, reflecting the film’s nascent stage.

Studio insiders say Hawke’s strong genre credentials-ranging from gritty dramas to Western-inspired projects-make him an ideal architect for a faithful yet innovative adaptation. Development meetings are underway as the team refines the script and explores directorial commitments.

Source of original announcement: IMDb news.