Despite the fact that Westerns are once more finding it tough to rope in audiences, CBS Films is hoping that an adaptation of long-running TV cowboy series Gunsmoke can overcome that little problem – and the likes of Brad Pitt and Ryan Reynolds are said to be up for the lead role of Marshal Matt Dillon*.
Gunsmoke (which aired as Gun Law some of the time over here) certainly has a history. It began in the early 1950s as a radio serial before transferring to TV in 1955 with James Arness taking over the role of Dillon in a half-hour version that was eventually expanded to an hour. Long considered one of the best US series of all time, it was also the longest running for many years, though the original Law & Order is about to best its season record.
According to the LA Times, CBS is currently on the hunt for a new Dillon, though no one has been formally approached yet. Pitt and Reynolds, who have plenty of pull these days, are both among the top contenders with executives after an actor who can blend action with period acting chops.
That said, don’t expect a deep, historical look at the time: the script’s current draft is by Gregory Poirier, one of the writers on National Treasure.
And there’s still the matter of finding a director for the project. But given the series’ history and the fresh actor interest, we doubt they’ll have much of a problem.
*Hey! We've got a casting idea! How about Matt Dillon?