When Angel and the Badman was first released in 1947, it was praised as an innovative departure from the traditional Western. In the offering from James Edward Grant, John Wayne’s gunslinger is injured and nursed back to health by a Quaker family. This leads him to reconsider his way of life.
As one of the classics of the genre, the movie was already remade once in 2009, and now it’s set for another modern retelling. The film starring Neal McDonough and Zachary Levi will be released in October 2026, and may lead to more classic Western reboots if it’s a success.
Westerns Could Be Entering a New Golden Age
It’s been a long time since the original Golden Age of Westerns, where these movies made up the most popular genre in Hollywood. From 1940 to 1960, these films ruled the roost but then became less prevalent in the decades that followed.
Now, though, Westerns are firmly back in the mainstream. This is highlighted by the online entertainment market, where Wild West-themed titles are everywhere. Players can claim a casino bonus at Betfair and sometimes use the offer with various Western games like Wild West Wilds, Cowboy Coins, and Deadeye.
There have also been various Western and Western-inspired television shows and movies in recent years, showing how there’s a widespread renewed interest in the genre. Yellowstone is the best example, with the Kevin Costner-led offering credited with making the Western great again by the Financial Times. Indeed, the show was so well-loved that it has already led to various spinoffs.
Angel and the Badman: One of a Few Confirmed Classic Reboots in the Pipeline
Angel and the Badman boasts a solid cast, and some big names in the supporting roles, including Tommy Lee Jones. However, it’s being distributed by independent company Angel Studios, so it may not have a widespread release. There is a chance, though, that it later gets picked up by streaming services, enabling it to reach a wider audience.
The remake of the 1947 title isn’t the only Western reboot in the pipeline, and a couple of other iconic films are rumored to be getting their own modern treatment. This could help add to the snowballing effect of today’s filmmakers bringing back old Westerns. According to an article in The Hollywood Reporter, A Fistful of Dollars is going to be brought back for today’s viewers. There is also talk of a High Noon adaptation from Teton Ridge and Thunder Road.
Plenty of Options for Filmmakers to Remake
The great thing about the Western genre is that countless classic films could be remade for modern audiences if this trend continues. Films like Shane, The Searchers, Rio Bravo, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Vance would all hold up with today’s viewers.
However, it is important to consider that a lot has changed in society in the decades since these movies were first released. Any contemporary retellings would have to be mindful of that and update them to be more in line with the attitudes of the current era.
The Angel and the Badman remake is an exciting development for the Western genre. If it’s successful, it may lead to more classic movies from the 1940s and 1950s to get brought back.
Overall, the return of Angel and the Badman reflects the wider revival of Western storytelling across film, television, and online entertainment. While remaking classic Westerns comes with the challenge of updating older themes for contemporary audiences, the genre’s timeless focus on morality, redemption, justice, and survival still has strong appeal. If this new retelling finds an audience, it could help prove that Westerns are not simply a nostalgic relic of Hollywood’s past, but a genre ready for a fresh and meaningful future.
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