Barry Pepper and Kiefer Sutherland to Star in Western Film 'The Horseman'

Barry Pepper and Kiefer Sutherland are slated to face off in "The Horseman," an upcoming Western movie from Nomadic Pictures. This cinematic encounter is scheduled for release in early 2027 across Scripps Networks, notably featuring on the multiplatform channel Grit.

Directed by Rod Lurie, known for his work on "The Contender" and "The Last Castle," "The Horseman" was developed and co-written by Pepper, recognized for his roles in "Saving Private Ryan" and "True Grit," alongside Ed Gass-Donnelly. The narrative unfolds in the late 19th-century American West, a period marked by an escalating demand for oil that ignited a transformative rush. Pepper portrays "The Man," a father deeply affected by loss, who forms an extraordinary connection with a young colt. Their bond becomes the central focus, pushing "The Man" to extreme lengths to reunite with his equine companion after an involuntary separation. Sutherland takes on the role of the antagonist, a formidable aristocrat driven by a desire for supremacy, leveraging his intellect, wealth, and a deadly skill with a pistol to assert dominance and acquire land, disregarding anyone who obstructs his ambitions. The cast also includes C. Thomas Howell, Tzi Ma, and Ryan Michelle Bathe.

Currently in production in Canada, "The Horseman" is a collaboration with Peace River Pictures and Scripps Networks. Nomadic Pictures holds the global distribution rights, while Scripps will handle distribution within the United States. Pepper cited iconic Westerns such as "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly" and "Unforgiven" as inspirations for the film's classical Western elements and the creation of "The Man" character. He further explained that the concept solidified during the filming of "True Grit," where he gained a deep appreciation for the intuitive and sensitive nature of horses, aspiring to convey this profound human-animal connection to contemporary audiences who appreciate classic Westerns. Adam Harman, Scripps’ senior vice president of programming, highlighted that "The Horseman" perfectly aligns with Grit's audience, who are deeply invested in the Western genre. He expressed confidence that the film, with its compelling story, strong direction from Rod Lurie, and a talented cast led by Pepper and Sutherland, possesses all the necessary elements to become a modern Western classic that viewers will revisit for years to come. Director Lurie praised Pepper's screenplay for its blend of a classic Western storyline with a deeply emotional exploration of enduring grief, making his directorial task both straightforward and enjoyable. Chad Oakes, co-chairman of Nomadic Pictures, underscored the strong partnership with Scripps and the personal significance of bringing Pepper's script to fruition, noting that reuniting with director Rod Lurie and director of photography Craig Wrobleski further enriches this project, which they believe will captivate audiences.

This production stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Western genre, demonstrating how its themes of resilience, loyalty, and justice continue to resonate. The dedication of the cast and crew to crafting a story that honors the spirit of classic Westerns while offering a fresh, emotional perspective ensures that "The Horseman" will not only entertain but also inspire a deeper appreciation for the profound bonds that shape our lives and the landscapes we inhabit.