If we were in a cheesy punning mood (and let’s face it, when aren’t we?) we’d suggest that the Coens are planning to spice up their take on True Grit with a little Pepper. Barry Pepper, to be exact. But it’s true: he’s joining a cast that already includes Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Hailee Steinfeld and recent Oscar-scooper Jeff Bridges.
Pepper is playing “Lucky” Ned Pepper (is he being typecast as someone called Pepper?), the dangerous and notorious outlaw portrayed by Robert Duvall in the 1969 adaptation of Charles Portis’ novel.
Bridges is taking over the role of Marshall Reuben “Rooster” Cogburn, originally played by John Wayne, a tough lawman who helps a young woman (Steinfeld) track down her father’s murderer.
Joel and Ethan are busy shooting the film right now, taking aim at a December release date.