The Secret Remake of John Wayne's The Searchers: A Kurt Russell Western

Kurt Russell: The Western Icon

In 2015, Kurt Russell starred in a Western movie that turned out to be a stealth remake of the classic John Wayne film, The Searchers. Despite the genre being out of fashion during his movie star heyday, Russell has become an icon in the Western genre. This is partly attributed to his unforgettable performance as Wyatt Earp in the 1993 movie Tombstone, a film that has stood the test of time and become a beloved classic. Russell's return to the Western genre with The Hateful Eight in 2015, a dark Western by Quentin Tarantino, further solidified his status as a Western icon.

Kurt Russell in Bone Tomahawk collage

Even in his sci-fi actioner Soldier, Russell's performance exudes the essence of a Western, with the storyline bearing striking resemblance to the classic Western film, Shane. This demonstrates that Kurt Russell's connection to Westerns runs deep, and his roles often embody the spirit of the genre, even in unexpected settings.

Bone Tomahawk: The Remake Unveiled

Bone Tomahawk, released in 2015, shares striking similarities with The Searchers, earning the title of a stealth remake. John Wayne's The Searchers, a 1956 adventure, is widely acclaimed as one of the best Westerns ever made. The film follows the story of Wayne's character, Ethan, as he embarks on a relentless journey to rescue his kidnapped niece, leading to a series of harrowing events.

Jeffery Hunter and John Wayne in The Searchers

Similarly, in Bone Tomahawk, the plot revolves around the abduction of a doctor's assistant, Samantha, by a clan of cannibals. Kurt Russell's character, the sheriff, and Samantha's husband, Arthur, set out on a perilous mission to find her. The film captures the essence of The Searchers, portraying a group of men from different backgrounds forced to unite against an incomprehensible threat, reminiscent of the dynamics in the classic Western.

A skull hangs on a tree in Bone Tomahawk

The Searchers: A Tale of Redemption and Violence

The Searchers, directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne, delves into a dark and intense narrative that showcases Wayne's exceptional performance as a bitter, racist Civil War veteran on a quest to rescue his kidnapped niece. The film's portrayal of the relentless pursuit and the escalating violence sets it apart as a groundbreaking Western. The Searchers is a testament to the depth and complexity of the Western genre, with its exploration of themes of prejudice, redemption, and the dark realities of the era.

john wayne as ethan edwards in the searchers

On the other hand, Bone Tomahawk takes the essence of The Searchers and amplifies it with a modern twist, infusing elements of horror and graphic violence. The film cleverly lures audiences into a false sense of security before unleashing harrowing scenes of bloodshed, reminiscent of the dark undertones in The Searchers. While The Searchers was limited in its portrayal of violence due to the era's restrictions, Bone Tomahawk fearlessly presents the unflinching truth of the characters' journey, transcending the boundaries set by its predecessor.

Chicory uses a spotting scope while Franklin and Brooder watch in Bone Tomahawk