Ned Dennehy, James Hetfield, and Peter Dinklage star in “The Thicket”

Irish actor Ned Dennehy has expanded his repertoire by joining The Walking Dead universe, portraying RJ Gaines, an American stranded in France before the outbreak, in the first season of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. Dennehy, known for a plethora of roles, is now set to appear in the western thriller The Thicket.

The Thicket is a dark western thriller adapted from a novel by Joe R. Lansdale. Directed by Elliott Lester, famous for the movie Blitz, and written by Cristopher Kelley, the film’s development faced significant delays due to the pandemic in 2020. The Thicket aims to rejuvenate the western genre with a fresh and unique perspective. According to Lester, the film introduces new characters like Cut Throat Bill and Reginald Jones, providing a distinct narrative that diverges from traditional western motifs.

“By introducing never-before-seen characters like Cut Throat Bill and Reginald Jones, the film offers a distinct narrative and perspective, diverging from traditional western tropes. Our goal was to transform the familiar elements of the genre and present them in an entirely new light, immersing the audience in a darker, more atmospheric world that captures the harshness of the environment. This innovative approach allows viewers to experience the western genre in a way they never have before, blending the nostalgia of classic westerns with a bold, modern twist.” – Elliott Lester, director

Emmy-winning actor Peter Dinklage has been attached to the movie since 2014, portraying the seasoned bounty hunter Reginald Jones, who embarks on a quest to find a missing woman abducted by a violent killer. Set around the turn of the century, the narrative follows Jones and his eclectic crew as they journey to Big Thicket, a lawless area marked by extreme violence and chaos.

The story also focuses on Jack, played by Levon Hawke, the son of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, who is determined to rescue his sister, Lula (Esme Creed-Miles), after she is kidnapped by a notorious gang led by Juliette Lewis’s character, Cut Throat Bill. Jack seeks the help of Jones and his companions, which include the son of an ex-slave who works as a grave-digger (Gbenga Akinnagbe), and a street-smart prostitute (Leslie Grace).

The film’s cast is packed with talent, featuring Ned Dennehy alongside Macon Blair, Andrew Schulz, Arliss Howard, and David Midthunder. Adding more star power to the lineup is Metallica frontman James Hetfield, who has previously appeared in various cameos and voice roles in shows like Billions, The Simpsons, and Metalocalypse.

Collider reports that The Thicket will make its premiere on Tubi on September 6. This highly anticipated film promises to offer a riveting viewing experience that merges the nostalgic essence of classic westerns with a bold, contemporary twist.

Source: Collider