The Coen Brothers to Tackle True Grit Remake
It seems that in this day and age, even original filmmakers like the Coen Brothers are not immune to the remake bug. It has been confirmed that their next project (after A Serious Man, which is currently in post-production) will be a remake of Henry Hathaway’s 1969 western True Grit. The original starred John Wayne as a hard-drinking, eye-patch wearing U.S. marshal who is hired to accompany a Texas Ranger into Indian territory to help a young girl track down her father’s killer.
Truth be told, this isn’t the first time the Coens have tried their hand at a remake; The Ladykillers was also a remake of a 1955 film by Alexander Mackendrick starring Alec Guiness and Peter Sellers. This will be their first period western however, even though some of their previous flicks had western elements. James Mangold’s remake of 3:10 to Yuma seems to have revitalized the western genre somewhat, with remakes of other classic westerns like High Noon also in development. According to Variety, the Coen Brothers will tell the story from the girl’s point of view this time. Any fans of the original out there? Are you excited to see the Coens direct this?
Comments (26)
I’m a huge fan of the Charles Portis novel. The main difference between the original movie and the novel is that the movie follows Rooster (Wayne) as the main character where in the book the girl is the main character. Sounds like they are sticking with the novel’s way so I am excited for sure. It’s ripe for some Coen-esque moments for sure.
Posted by ProjectGenesis on March 23rd, 2009Mmmmmm… gritty!
Posted by Shut-Up Ed on March 23rd, 2009I like the original, but it isn’t such a classic that someone like the Coen’s couldn’t bring something worthwhile to the mix, and maybe even end up with a better film.
Posted by David Munn on March 24th, 2009I love the idea of the Coenheads doing a straight up Western (straight up because No Country for Old Men wasn’t period) with their love of language and their ability to shoot tension, yes!
Posted by rus in chicago on March 24th, 2009I read the book. Very interesting, unique writing style. Portis wrote it with John Wayne in mind as Rooster Cogburn. Sure, the Coen’s might do a good job, but without John Wayne they are trying to make True Grits without corn.
Posted by TheeOden on March 25th, 2009Interesting choice for a remake, since the original is essentially a star vehicle. A change of perspective will be a good idea for a more revisionist tone, which is hopefully what they have in mind. The last thing anyone needs is another ladykillers.
Posted by LehyNeghy on April 2nd, 2009I AM APPALLED!!!!! CAN’T THOSE JACKASSES THINK OF AN ORIGINAL IDEA. THERE IS ONE JUSTICE IN THIS WORLD AND THAT IS NEVER REMAKE A JOHN WAYNE MOVIE. HIS MOVIES STAND ALONE AND SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO BE MADE INTO A STUPID ASS REMAKE!!! THE COEN BROTHERS SHOULD BE SHOT AND SENT BACK TO HELL. I WILL BOYCOTT THIS REMAKE AND MAYBE EVERY MOVIE THEY EVER MAKE IN THE FUTURE!!!
Posted by Jeremiah Tubbs on April 2nd, 2009LEAVE THE DUKE ALONE!!!!
It would be fantastic if Mickey Rourke would do this role. im desperate to see him in something other then lightweight stuff. Hes the only actor that has the gifts to respect the original and do justice physically and acting wise to the character. John Wayne had a physicality and maturity before anything else and Rourke has got that. All these roles seem a waste of time that hes lining up. The guy isnt getting any younger. Cohen Brothers grab Mickey!
Posted by Daisy M on April 14th, 2009Mickey Rourke – that’s a really good idea.
Posted by rus in chicago on April 14th, 2009Tubbs, calm down. With that attitude there would be no great remakes of great films by GREAT CURRENT DIRECTORS such as Scarface, The Thing, Cape Fear, etc. and so on.
Posted by rus in chicago on April 14th, 2009i am very excited to see how this turns out… i love westerns, mostly clint eastwoods stuff and and handfull of john waynes. true grit being in my top 10 of classic westerns… now i wanna read the book to see how the cohen bros might take it on.. i hope tommy lee jones plays rooster cogburn
Posted by dustin on July 4th, 2009it is a bit “wrong” to remake a john wayne movie, but i like the cohen bros. style and creative insight.. i read that some one thought of mickey rourke playin rooster that would be great as well
Posted by dustin on July 4th, 2009It would be awesome if they got Robert Duvall to play Rooster. Or even Tommy Lee Jones. But dear God, don’t let it be George Clooney.
Posted by Larry on July 10th, 2009Mickey Rourke would be perfect 4 it. Hes one of the few actors who can match up to John Wayne
Posted by ashley on July 13th, 2009Mickey Rourke? Give me a break. Alan Autry would do nicely if they remake this iconic classic, but please NOT mickey Rourke. He was ok in the Wrestler but him as Rooster…get real please
Posted by Ammitt on September 11th, 2009I am extremely perturbed by this news. I may have to take steps to sabotage it.
Posted by Lige on September 13th, 2009It should be Jeff Bridges
Posted by Chris on October 8th, 2009NO. Why do Hollywood pukes have to ruin everything?
Posted by Robert on October 26th, 2009It can’t be done! John Wayne made that movie what it is. I seen the original and have a copy of it on DVD. (yeah, I’m that old). Had anyone but Wayne played the role it would not been near the success it was. He and Duvall can not be substituted. It’s what it is, not unlike Gone With the Wind. On another note,,, is there that poor a crop of original writers that they have to go steal others ideas? A remake just screams that someone has no ability to create and must resort to somebody elses work. A remake is legalized plagiarism!
Posted by out dated on October 29th, 2009Its not a remake! its the real version as told by the author.To say the only reason a movie was good was cause the duke…thats fucking foolish. the story is amazing and will be even more amazing without slow speaking wayne. Its time for all those 40 to 60 year old wanna-be cowboys to let go of the childhood dream of the “one good actor” no disrespect to john wayne. If anyone is stealing ideas its the original. Its a book! who cares dont be so god damn sentimental. go watch a film buy amazing film makers. Be fortunate Michael Bay didnt make this film.
Posted by Nic on November 2nd, 2009You can’t improve on perfection, anyway this is kind of disrespectful to John Wayne due to the fact that True Grit was his oscar performance. Also, Rooster Cogburn is John Wayne, not the other way around. There is no one who could be this character better. To the Coen Brothers, “Fill your hands you son of a bitch”
Posted by LongLiveDuke on November 3rd, 2009All time greatest actors = Robert Duvall and John Wayne,
long live cowboys.
Posted by LongLiveDuke on November 3rd, 2009To longliveduke…I absolutely agree. I grew up watching John Wayne. Watch the movie…he IS Rooster. They are one and the same…One of my all time favorites.. I just hope they do it justice and don’t butcher such a wonderful character…a character who regardless of how silly it is is irrevocably tied to this magnificent actor….I hope they show respect..
Posted by krisnic24 on November 4th, 2009and I’m not a 40-60 year old wanna be cowboy. I’m a 28 year old daughter of the real thing. Born and bred in west texas…..show some respect asswipes…He represents a dying institution.
Posted by krisnic24 on November 4th, 2009Hmm. What if Robert Duvall played Rooster? I against remaking this at all, but this is an interesting thought.
Posted by C-dub on November 6th, 2009Sorry to get in on this so late, but it looks like Bridges for Rooster, Matt Damon for Texas Ranger, and Josh Brolin for Tom Cheney. No word on the Mattie character yet. Although, I’ve heard there is an open casting call out in Lubbock, TX on November 7, for 11-16y old girls.
Posted by C-dub on November 6th, 2009Leave a Reply