Mad Mel’s Wild Bunch!
Article by Ray Schillaci
I love the genius of Mel Gibson. With the announcement of a future project that may or may not be a remake of sorts, the filmmaker may have fans at the edge of their seats. The Hollywood Reporter just released the news that Mel will Ride the High Country directing and co-writing a remake of the 1969 Sam Peckinpaw classic western, The Wild Bunch. Personally, I would have hoped that if the famed filmmaker was to do a remake, it would be something that was not such a beloved and well-known classic.
I would have preferred him to tackle the under appreciated Spencer Tracy movie, Bad Day at Black Rock. That film also had one helluva tough guy cast with Robert Ryan, Dean Jagger, Walter Brennan, Ernest Borgnine, and Lee Marvin. I’ve written about that little known classic, and the idea of what Gibson could have done with it and the cast he could have assembled gives me chills. Gibson could have easily cast himself as the one-armed stranger who comes into town and kicks ass with more than his wits.
Oh well, guess I’ll keep on dreaming. The second best would be The Wild Bunch, in the hopes that Mel delivers something perhaps even more iconic. My first guess in casting will most likely be Vince Vaughn after working together on Hacksaw Ridge and the upcoming Dragged Across Concrete. But, we may not see Mel’s Wild Bunch proceed, according to The Hollywood Reporter article, until his other project sets sail, a WWII Navy movie, Destroyer. Interesting, there is no mention on IMDB, and instead The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection is announced in pre-production and has him listed as producer and director.
Once the filmmaker gets back on the saddle, the casting could be a tough guy dream. But, knowing Mel, he will not be recreating a western version of The Expendables. You probably will not see “B” action players or smarmy heroes. The man relishes gritty drama, and one can only imagine who may be suggested. With that in mind, I’ve assembled my own dream cast.
Mel in the lead role of the weary Pike Bishop the aged leader of the Wild Bunch which William Holden made so memorable. After playing alongside Mel and proving his dramatic acting chops on several occasions, I can see no better person than Vince Vaughn to be Deke Thorton, Pike Bishop’s former partner and long time friend, originally conceived by Robert Ryan. Russell Crowe would be wonderful as “Dutch” Engstrom, which was portrayed by Ernest Borgnine. The man joined Pike’s gang right after Deke was captured. He remained a loyal member and right-hand man to Pike.
The notorious brothers, Tector and Lyle Gorch who also rode with the Wild Bunch were played by two legendary tough guys, Ben Johnson as Tector and Warren Oats as Lyle. I’m going out on a limb for one, the other is way too obvious. Billy Bob Thorton just feels right as Tector and comes with the feel of the old west having been in several westerns including 1993’s rousing Tombstone. Some may not see him in this role, but I think it would fit him like a comfortable old glove. And, I have been saying for years now that Ben Foster is a young Warren Oates, and he’s perfect as the ill-tempered Lyle Gorch.
There are close to a dozen other roles that could be considered a prominent casting call. At the same time, Gibson could come out of left field and cast relatively new people as well. However this illustrious filmmaker decides to put his spin on one of the most notorious outlaws of the west, you can rest assured it will be epic. For those who did question if Mel was still relevant after I did my write up regarding his latest film, yes. The man is a monument of talent and was nominated for Best Director by not only the Golden Globes, but also by Oscar. His last directed film made over $170M and was widely praised by critics all over. He is a filmmaker/storyteller who has a solid grasp of how to capture his audience, and I for one am looking forward to his telling of a group of men living longer than the West allowed.
