Howdy, pardners! After Lionsgate’s Grindstone Entertainment Group gained the North American rights to Dead Man’s Hand, Stephen Dorff (True Detective, Blade), Jack Kilmer (The Nice Guys), and Cole Hauser Yellowstone) are saddling up for roles in the newly-acquired Western. The film hails from Milestone Studios and, according to Deadline, revolves around a retired gunslinger named Reno (Kilmer), who teams up with a new marshall (Hauser) to take down a cruel cattle baron, Mayor Clarence Bishop (Dorff).
Deadline’s description continues, “Reno, a newly married gunfighter, hangs up his six shooters when he says “I do” to his bride, Vegas. But when Reno kills a bandit in self-defense, he finds himself pulled back into his old ways. The bandit’s brother, the ruthless Mayor Bishop, will not let his brother’s death go unpunished. As revenge, Bishop and his private army ambush Reno and Vegas, leaving the gunfighter near death and taking Reno’s wife prisoner. Reno then teams up with Marshal Roy McCutcheon to channel his fury as he swears revenge on every single bastard who hurt them.”
Brian Skiba (Rottentail, Chokehold, Pursuit) wrote and directed the film, which recently wrapped production in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The story is based on the graphic novel No Rest for the Wicked – Dead Man’s Hand, written by Kevin Minor and Matthew Minor, with art by Kevin Minor. The graphic novel collects all four issues of the mini-series published by Souce Point Press. In addition to his writing and directorial duties, Skiba produces through SkibaVision alongside Laurie Love and Jim Burleson. Alan B. Bursteen, Dawn Bursteen, Barry Brooker, and Stan Wertlieb executive produce.
“Dead Man’s Hand is a western rooted in a tragic love story followed by retaliation and nonstop action,” Skiba commented. “I couldn’t be more appreciative to my producing team, the cast, the crew, and Milestone, who collaborated to bring this story to life. Kilmer, Dorff and Hauser gave exceptional performances, while the scenic Great Plains of Santa Fe provided the perfect backdrop for this western.”
“I was excited to get behind this incredibly gritty story depicting the struggles and spirit of the American West and work with director, Brian Skiba, who had a clear vision for the project,” said Milestone Studios’ Co-Founder, Dawn Bursteen. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such gifted individuals and am looking forward to collaborating with Brian again on the upcoming western, Gunslingers.”
Added Milestone President Alan B. Bursteen: “I am a huge fan of authentic westerns and was happy to secure the financing and distribution for this project. Looking ahead to 2023, Milestone has a strong diverse slate in several different genres with a community of talented writers and filmmakers.”
“Dead Man’s Hand is a compelling western with visceral, thrilling action. The movie raises the stakes in a story of righteous but ferocious revenge that will keep audiences riveted,” added Grindstone’s Brooker.
Boy howdy! Dead Man’s Hand sounds like a rootin’-tootin’ good time. Will you be checking this movie out? Let us know in the comments below.
