Ryan Reynolds to star and produce remake of 1974 Classic ‘Thunderbolt and Lightfoot’

Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds is reportedly gearing up to star in and produce a modern-day remake of the 1974 action-comedy classic Thunderbolt and Lightfoot , originally directed by Michael Cimino and starring screen legends Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges.

The original film followed an ex-thief and a young drifter who team up for a daring heist in the American heartland, a mix of adventure, crime, and humour that became a cult hit over the years. The film also earned Jeff Bridges an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Reynolds, known for his trademark wit and charismatic performances, will produce the remake under his banner Maximum Effort alongside Warner Bros. Pictures. Sources suggest the project aims to reinvent the buddy-action formula with a sharp comedic tone, much in line with Reynolds’ popular hits such as Deadpool , Red Notice , Free Guy , and The Adam Project .

Industry insiders reveal that the remake will retain the essence of the original friendship, betrayal, and wild Americana while updating the story to appeal to contemporary audiences. The film is expected to feature Reynolds in one of the titular roles, with casting for the other lead still underway.

This move marks another major production venture for Reynolds, who has successfully balanced acting and producing in recent years. Apart from Thunderbolt and Lightfoot , the actor is also working on upcoming releases like Deadpool & Wolverine and the fantasy comedy If .

Further details about the film’s director, supporting cast, and release timeline are expected to be announced soon, as anticipation builds around how Reynolds will reinterpret one of Hollywood’s most beloved action-comedy partnerships for a new generation.