“Reacher” star Alan Ritchson has opened up about a scrapped plan for the hit Prime Video series. The actor suggested Donald Trump‘s return to the White House helped shelve an old, proposed iteration of the project.

Meanwhile, Season 5 is taking the action hero in a different direction, with a sinister missing-person case at the center of his next adventure.

Alan Ritchson says one of his favorite Jack Reacher stories nearly made it to television before the adaptation plans were dropped.

The “Reacher” star made the revelation while responding to a fan on Threads who wanted to see Lee Child’s “Die Trying” adapted for the Prime Video series. The 1998 novel, which is the second book in the franchise, pits Reacher against a white supremacist militia.

Ritchson revealed that the idea had progressed further than fans might have realized. “My favorite book,” the actor wrote, before adding, “Fun fact: I had it approved until someone got re-elected.”

Ritchson did not name Donald Trump in the post or explain who decided to abandon the adaptation. However, his reference to someone being “re-elected” appeared to point to Trump’s return to the White House following the 2024 presidential election. Bottom of Form

‘Reacher’ Season 5 Will Take On A Sinister New Mystery

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While “Die Trying” may be off the table, “Reacher” isn’t exactly steering away from dark material for its next outing.

Season 5 will send Jack Reacher to Mother’s Rest, a small town surrounded by miles of wheat fields. His curiosity about the unusual name quickly gives way to a more urgent mystery when he meets private investigator Michelle Chang, whose partner has disappeared.

According to Amazon, the pair’s search eventually exposes a “dangerous and deadly criminal conspiracy.” Lee Child’s “Make Me,” however, hints at just how unsettling that investigation could become.

‘Reacher’ Has Already Modernized Lee Child’s Source Material

“Reacher” has already shown that an older Lee Child novel doesn’t have to reach television with its original political backdrop intact.

Season 4 took on “Gone Tomorrow,” Child’s 2009 novel, but made significant changes to its politically sensitive plot. The original story was steeped in the post-9/11 era, with terrorism and the war in Afghanistan playing heavily into the mystery.

The Prime Video adaptation reworked those elements for a modern setting. Some characters were changed or replaced, and the conspiracy at the story’s heart was updated rather than recreating the book’s geopolitical backdrop exactly as written.

How Much Say Does Alan Ritchson Have Over ‘Reacher’ Stories?

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Ritchson’s claim that he once had “Die Trying” approved also raises questions about how much influence the actor has over “Reacher’s” source material.

As it turns out, choosing the next book is a group effort. Ritchson explained ahead of Season 3 that several people involved with the show weigh in on which of Lee Child’s novels should get the TV treatment.

“We definitely talk about what book to do,” he told Forbes, pointing to longtime producer Don Granger as one of the voices involved. Granger optioned for the rights and began working with Child early in the franchise’s development.

Alan Ritchson Previously Unloaded On Trump Over Epstein Files

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Ritchson’s apparent swipe at Trump wouldn’t be the first time the “Reacher” star has publicly gone after the president.

During a July appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, the actor launched into an expletive-filled rant about the handling of files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Ritchson questioned why more information had not been released and argued that anyone implicated should be held accountable. He demanded greater transparency surrounding the files before telling the president, “Go to jail!”

Pete Davidson is settling into life as a new dad with a fresh outlook on what matters most. He revealed how welcoming his daughter has reshaped everything from his personal choices to his approach to work.

Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks earlier this month, Davidson also reflected on how he would eventually explain his father’s death to his daughter.

Pete Davidson is embracing fatherhood and admits his baby daughter has completely changed the way he approaches his life and career.

The “Saturday Night Live” alum opened up about being a dad during a candid conversation with Charlamagne tha God for Interview Magazine. Davidson said welcoming his little girl put his priorities into perspective.

“I behave differently now. Every decision is different,” the comedian explained. He admitted he had wondered what kind of father he would become, including whether he could “keep my sh-t together.”

Those doubts have given way to a simple determination to get things right. “I look at her, and I’m like, ‘Alright, I don’t want to f-ck this up,’” Davidson said, calling his daughter a “blessing.”

Davidson Hadn’t Figured Out How To Explain 9/11 To Scottie

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In a recent interview with the New York Post, Davidson admitted he had not yet worked out how he would eventually explain his father’s death to Scottie.

The comedian’s father, Scott, was a New York City firefighter who died in the terrorist attacks. Davidson named his daughter, whom he welcomed with his former partner, Elsie Hewitt, in his father’s honor.

“Luckily, I have some time,” he told the outlet.

“Honestly, this year is way harder than it’s been in a really long time because I have Scottie, and now I’m the age that my dad was when he died,” he said. “So, I’m just kind of like, ‘Holy sh–t.’”

Pete Davidson Named His Daughter After His Late Father

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Davidson welcomed his daughter, Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson, with model Hewitt in December 2025.

According to the actor, they agreed on the name Scottie because it connects to his father.

“It was really cool that Elsie also wanted to name her Scottie,” he said. “My dad’s name was Scott, but his nickname was Scotty.”

When they first saw their daughter, the name felt even more fitting.

“We both looked at her and were like, ‘She looks like a Scottie,’” Davidson recalled, adding, “It’s nice to keep that name alive.”

Fatherhood Fulfills Davidson’s Childhood Dream

Becoming a father also fulfilled a childhood dream Davidson had held. After losing his own father, the actor said he already knew what he wanted to be when he grew up.

“When I was young, and my dad passed, I remember my mom used to be like, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ And I used to be like, ‘A dad,’” he said during an interview with “The Breakfast Club” years ago.

Since welcoming his daughter, he has enjoyed seeing that dream come true.

“Dad life is f–king awesome,” he told PEOPLE in March. “It is exhausting and rewarding and cute.”

Davidson Honors His Father By Supporting 9/11 First Responders

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Meanwhile, Davidson has continued to commemorate the 9/11 anniversary in his own way.

He and his longtime friend Jon Stewart were scheduled to host “NYC Still Rising After 25 Years: A 9/11 Comedy Benefit” at Madison Square Garden on September 10.

Proceeds from the event were earmarked for organizations supporting first responders who risked their lives during the attacks and their families.

Ahead of the event, he shared what attendees could expect.

“Benefits are tricky, and 9/11 is such a sad thing. So to be able to check that at the door and have a good time for a great cause is one of my favorite things,” Davidson told the Post.

“This is fun for us because all the firefighters, first responders, police, and EMTs come, and we’re fans of them,” he added.

Yung Miami had a few words to get off her chest after an outlet called out the MTV Video Music Awards for leaving ‘Spend Dat’ out of nominations. The announcement also had social media popping OFF! Some fans argued that the song took over the summer and deserved a spot. Meanwhile, others said they weren’t surprised that the VMAs skipped over the record.

RELATED: Been About Him! Yung Miami Spills Tea About Her Relationship Status & The Internet Immediately Brings Up Diddy (VIDEOS)

Yung Miami Responds After ‘Spend Dat’ Misses VMAs Nominations

Recently, Yung Miami hopped on X (formerly Twitter) with a few thoughts after an outlet, Red Media called out the VMAs for leaving ‘Spend Dat’ out of the Song of the Summer category nominations. She kept her response short and sweet, writing, “Are we surprised???”

From there, fans started chiming in with their own takes. Yung Miami even appeared to co-sign one social media user who told her not to sweat the recognition because she was still winning. “No shade Caresha I’m f****n proud of you! F*** that award! U back on the map! N***a thought you was thru! And you showed they a**,” the social media user wrote.

Fans Debate Whether ‘Spend Dat’ Deserved A Nomination

After The Shade Room shared Miami’s reaction to ‘Spend Dat’ missing out on a VMAs nomination, fans kept sharing their thoughts in the comment section. Some Roomies argued that ‘Spend Dat’ deserved recognition for taking over the summer, meanwhile others admitted they weren’t shocked.

Instagram user @johnviolinist wrote, “But was that the song of the summer for ppl outside of our culture? It is the MTV awards after all. 😩” 

Instagram user @ferno804 wrote, “Y’all switch up fast as hell lmaoooo song be going off the whole summer stop playin 😂 and I never was a big fan of the record but it fasho was song of summer.”  

Then Instagram user @officialbrowardbaby wrote, “Idc she deserved her flowers for that song, despite it being a ‘fun’ song.. it went GLOBAL!” 

Another Instagram user @thatgirlnamednoni wrote, “It’s the VIDEO music awards lmao 😂 did the song have an actual video that was award worthy?! NOPE 🙂‍↔️” 

Instagram user @sunnymamasita wrote, “Snubbed is a stretch 😂” 

Then another Instagram user @princedijonn wrote, “The song is literally made for fun not awards 😂😂😂”

Finally, Instagram user @tradeszn_ wrote, “UNPOPULAR OPINION: IM ON THE VMAS SIDE, THAT WAS NOT THE SONG OF THE SUMMER, IT JUST HAD THE MEDIOCRE PPL IN A CHOKEHOLD.” 

Carsesha Claps Back After Her Daughter & Nephew Go Viral For Dancing To ‘Spend Dat’

Spend Dat’ might’ve take over social media and radio stations, but Yung Miami also caught plenty of backlash over it. Recently, she stepped into The Shade Room to clap back at trolls who felt a way about her daughter Summer and nephew Rylo dancing to the record. Videos showed Summer and Rylo practicing the dance before hitting the stage with Caresha. But chileeee, some folks didn’t like see the little ones vibing to the track. Once the reactions started rolling in, Miami hopped into TSR’s comment section to defend them. She said she didn’t see the issue because she was doing all kinds of dances at their age.

“I use to do the cry baby and splits in dance contests when I was a lil girl oh yeah and the doodoo brown! Yall go cook,”

RELATED: Oop! Yung Miami Reacts To Backlash Following Video Of Her Daughter & Nephew Dancing To ‘Spend Dat’ 

After five days of uncertainty, Esube “Izzy” Konjit Wondwossen’s loved ones finally have the update they’d been waiting for. The 22-year-old Howard University student, whose disappearance sparked a search involving family and friends, has been found. And, the latest update is bringing a major sigh of relief.

RELATED: Family Of Missing Howard University Student Speaks Out As Details Emerge (VIDEO)

Esube “Izzy” Wondwossen Found Safe After Days-Long Search

Prince George’s County Police announced Saturday evening that Esube “Izzy” Wondwossen was found “in good health.” Police did not disclose where she was located, but confirmed there is no ongoing investigation. Before she was found, family and friends spent Saturday, September 19, searching an Alexandria neighborhood and handing out flyers.

What Led Up To Her Search?

As previously reported, Wondwossen was last seen on the morning of September 15. According to the Black and Missing Foundation, the 22-year-old was seen shortly before 8 a.m. after leaving the Pentagon Metro station in Arlington, Virginia. Her sister, Helina Wondwossen, said the family did not learn until three days later that Izzy had made it to the Pentagon area.

Earlier that morning, Wondwossen’s father had dropped her off at the Branch Avenue Metro Station around 7 a.m., believing she was heading to Howard University for her usual commute. Her family said she appeared happy and in good spirits, and nothing about the morning seemed unusual. She was later seen getting off a bus near North Beauregard Street and Reading Avenue in Alexandria. But, she never returned home or responded to calls and texts. Her family said they did not know why she had traveled to Alexandria.

Izzy’s Family Spoke Out During The Search

Now that Wondwossen has been found in good health, her family’s concerns have hopefully shifted to relief after days of uncertainty. The Howard University senior had been excited about graduating, and her loved ones previously stressed how unusual it was for her to disappear without communicating with them. Her mother, Aida Endrias, had expressed fears for her daughter’s safety, while her sister, Helina, repeatedly said she simply wanted to know Izzy was safe.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Bodies Of Missing Florida Couple And Their Grandchildren Found Following Plane Crash In Bahamas

Sweet Magnolias creator Sheryl J. Anderson just broke her silence after the show’s shocking cancellation.

“Living in Serenity for five seasons has been a privilege and a blessing,” Anderson wrote via Instagram on Saturday, September 19. “The people I’ve met and worked with — our incredible writers, cast, crew, executives, and producers — have touched my heart and changed my life.”

She continued: “And our fans have been amazing in their passion for our characters. Thank you all. Though our journey has sadly come to an end, I hope Serenity will always have a place in your heart. Keep pouring it out!”

News broke on Friday, September 18, that Netflix chose not to renew Sweet Magnolias for a sixth season. Instead, the streaming service ordered a new drama series from Anderson — with JoAnna Garcia Swisher set to executive produce and potentially star in.

Related: What Would Have Happened in ‘Sweet Magnolias’ Season 6 Before Cancellation?

Before Sweet Magnolias‘ shocking cancellation, showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson exclusively revealed what would have happened in season 6. News broke on Friday, September 18, that Netflix chose not to renew Sweet Magnolias in favor of working again with Anderson — and star JoAnna Garcia Swisher — in a new series titled Ladies of the House. […]

“All grand adventures must eventually end,” read a post from the show’s official Instagram account. “And here, dear friends, is where ours goes. Sweet Magnolias is now complete with five seasons streaming on Netflix.”

Anderson, for her part, teased their next chapter with Ladies of the House.

“I’m thrilled to be embarking on this new adventure with JoAnna and Netflix,” Anderson said in a statement. “When Jo shared the novel with me, I immediately saw the foundation for a series centered on three women grappling with the complexities of family, friendship, and romance — the kind of stories Jo and I most enjoy telling. I cannot wait to share the Richardson women and their world with Netflix’s global audience.”

Swisher also weighed in on the decision to adapt Ladies of the House, which is a modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility.

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“From the moment I read Lauren Edmondson’s Ladies of the House, I fell completely in love with Daisy, Cricket and Wallis: their relationships, their messiness, their strength, and most of all, their heart,” she said. “I am beyond excited to continue to tell meaningful, female-driven stories alongside the incredible Sheryl J. Anderson, and to bring this to life through our production company Rolling Clover and with our wonderful partners at Black Label.”

She concluded: “Netflix has been my creative home for the past seven years, and I couldn’t imagine a better place, or a better team, to tell this story.”

Sweet Magnolias is streaming now on Netflix.

Dakota Johnson and Machine Gun Kelly may be enjoying a new romance, but insiders are already questioning whether their connection can develop into the serious relationship the actress reportedly wants. The two stars, both 36, have allegedly been spending time together since reconnecting at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding in July. Although sources described them as attracted to one another and happy to see where things go, their different priorities could eventually become an issue. Johnson recently revealed that she hopes to have children, while insiders claimed MGK is not currently seeking marriage or another major commitment.

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Johnson and MGK, whose real name is Colson Baker, reportedly knew each other before attending Swift and Kelce’s wedding at Madison Square Garden. However, the event allegedly gave them an opportunity to connect more deeply.

According to the Daily Mail, the pair’s relationship currently appears to be casual rather than headed toward an immediate commitment. “I heard that it’s casual, what’s going on between them. and they’re just having fun, hanging out and getting to know each other. They might just be a summer fling that turned romantic, but given Dakota’s relationship history, they might not last much longer,” an insider told the outlet.

A separate report from PEOPLE similarly claimed that Johnson and MGK have been quietly spending time together for months. Neither star has publicly confirmed the relationship.

The Daily Mail’s second source emphasized that the pair is not rushing to define what is happening between them. “Things with them are so far, so good. Nothing is super serious, and nobody is picking out china just yet, but they’re enjoying each other and seeing where this goes,” the source said.

The Actress Reportedly Has A Type

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Johnson has previously dated several musicians, including Drowners frontman Matthew Hitt, Coldplay singer Chris Martin, and Role Model, whose real name is Tucker Pillsbury. “Dakota loves rock stars, she can’t help herself, she says they are sexy,” one source claimed.

Another insider compared Johnson’s apparent attraction to musicians with Penny Lane, Kate Hudson’s character in “Almost Famous.” “Rockstars are absolutely her type. She’s almost the modern-day Penny Lane from Almost Famous – she’s enamored with that whole rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, the music, the chaos, the guys who come with it,” the source alleged.

Johnson was first linked to Martin in 2017. The former couple maintained a largely private relationship before separating after nearly eight years together. PEOPLE reported that the relationship had led to an engagement before the pair ultimately split.

Johnson was later linked to Role Model. The two were first seen together in late 2025, but their relationship reportedly ended earlier this year.

Dakota Johnson Reportedly Appreciates Their Shared Age

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Sources claimed that MGK’s age is another reason Johnson enjoys spending time with him. “She loves that he is in his 30s like she is. They are both 36. Chris [Martin] was way too old for her, he is almost 50, and that dragged her down, like, they could not relate on a lot of things. And Tucker [Role Model] was too young, he was in his twenties,” one insider told the Daily Mail.

MGK also reportedly appreciates Johnson’s Hollywood background. The actress is the daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson and the granddaughter of Tippi Hedren. “I think Colson is a little starstruck because her family is so famous. I mean, her mom is Melanie Griffith and her dad is Don Johnson, like Old School Hollywood, so that part is pretty cool. And she has A-list friends,” the source said.

Their Different Personalities Could Become A Problem

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Despite their mutual attraction, insiders characterized Johnson and MGK as an unexpected match. “They are an unusual pairing since MGK is more eccentric and loud, while Dakota is more reserved and down to earth. They both also have different styles and hobbies…But you know what they say, opposites attract and this might be the case for them,” one source shared.

Another insider suggested that the pair could have a positive influence on each other. “There’s even a sense that they might be able to tame each other a little bit. Whether that actually happens or turns into something long-term is another story,” the source said.

The insider also addressed speculation that MGK might be spending time with Johnson to provoke his former fiancée, Megan Fox. “None of their friends are exactly holding their breath waiting for wedding invitations, and some of MGK’s friends have thought he could be using Dakota to make Megan Fox jealous,” the source claimed.

“But, at least so far, that doesn’t appear to be the case,” they added. “Right now, it looks much more like two people who are attracted to each other, having fun and seeing what happens next.”

MGK shares a daughter with Fox. The former couple ended their engagement in 2024 and have since focused on co-parenting.

Dakota Johnson Wants To Become A Mother

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Questions about the relationship’s future come as Johnson speaks candidly about her desire to start a family. “I really do,” she told Vogue when asked whether she wanted children. “I didn’t expect to be this age and at this place in my life, but for whatever reason, that’s the plan of the universe. So I would love that.”

However, a source claimed that MGK is not currently focused on marriage. “MGK isn’t looking for anything serious,” the insider said. “If he wanted to be a husband, he would’ve married Megan Fox awhile ago. He has kids and has been in serious relationships before, but he’s not set on married life. He enjoys being free spirited and is very dedicated to his music and career that it makes it difficult to have a serious commitment.”

Johnson and MGK also have demanding schedules. She is promoting “Verity,” while the musician remains focused on his recording career.

For now, sources maintain that the two are enjoying their time together without making any major promises. Whether their casual connection can survive their reportedly different goals may become clearer over the coming months.

Every year, I usher in the first official day of fall with a Nora Ephron movie marathon. Watching cozy, nostalgic films like You’ve Got Mail and When Harry Met Sally gets me inexplicably excited for the season — partially because of the characters’ impeccable autumn style, which is still chic today. And now, I’m piecing together a wardrobe that embodies some of my favorite characters.

To create an Ephron-inspired wardrobe, I’m incorporating chunky cable knits, plaid blazers, sweater dresses and more. And with just a few clicks on Amazon, you can get in on the aesthetic, too. I found the most timeless pieces that will last in your wardrobe for years, starting at $24.

17 Nora Ephron-Inspired Wardrobe Staples

1. A Cozy Classic: There’s something so nostalgic yet timeless about an oversized cream cable knit. This will be in your closet for years.

2. Fall Forever: Once I whip out my wool plaid blazer — the one with shoulder pads — I know it’s officially fall.

3. Plaid Forever: I think we can all agree that plaid is the pattern of fall, and it’s ultra cute on this sweater vest dress.

4. Extra Chilly: Name something cozier than this rolled turtleneck knit sweater (especially in brown). You can’t!

5. Perfect Layers: Looking for the ideal layering vest? This pick, with its mock neck and unique crisscross hem, pairs beautifully with a crisp button-down shirt.

Related: PSA: ‘Rachel Green Jeans‘ Are Trending Again — Nail the Look

Sure, there’s a time and place for channeling Carrie Bradshaw and Rory Gilmore, but if there’s one character whose style always feels relevant and fresh, it’s Rachel Green from Friends. I’ve worked in fashion for over a decade, and there hasn’t been a single fall where I haven’t found inspiration in the waitress-turned-Ralph Lauren employee, famously played […]

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6. A Little Crop: Yes, cropped cardigan sweaters are just as cozy as their oversized counterparts. Plus, this one is extremely versatile because it can be worn on nights out or chilly evenings in.

7. Keep It Warm: Fend off the cold from your lower extremities without sacrificing style with these chic wool-blend trousers. The design is pretty much a fall life hack!

8. Better Than PJs: Dressing up shouldn’t be uncomfortable, and it won’t be when you wear this intricately knit sweater skirt.

9. Confidence Boost: Even if you aren’t a huge fan of figure-skimming bodycon dresses, you’ll love what this maxi sweater dress does for your figure — it hugs your curves in all the right places.

10. Color of the Season: Navy blazers exude class and coziness. This structured style will become a year-round staple.

11. Like a Glove: Few things are better than jeans that effortlessly conform to the curves on your body. This expertly-made pair does that from the first wear.

12. Stripes Galore: When I picture cozy fall outfits, an oversized striped sweater like this first comes to mind.

13. Sweater or Blanket?: With how long and fuzzy this maxi cardigan is, it really could pass for a blanket!

14. Closet Staple: It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, everyone needs this lightweight V-neck sweater in their rotation. Psst, this popular one is on sale.

15. Cold Shoulder: Keep things flirty this fall season with this off-the-shoulder midi sweater dress. It shows a bit of skin without making you cold.

16. Modern Vintage: This trendy sweater combines a vintage cable-knit design with a refreshed V-neck silhouette, making it an instant classic.

17. Denim Dreams: No need to be an expert layer-er when you have this denim-cuffed cable-knit sweater in your rotation. It does the styling for you.

What’s better than a film noir and a Western? Yeah, a noir Western. The difference between these distinct genres and their combination lies in some skilled genre-blending—in plain Westerns, the protagonist is usually heroic and a representative of the law and all things good, while in noir films, all the characters are a lot more morally complex and nuanced. A morally ambiguous lone wolf sounds like a compelling protagonist, which is why noir Westerns make for an interesting type of film.

Besides a troubled protagonist, noir Westerns are more cynical and dark, presenting a convoluted plot and a bloody solution that carries a moral message. Some of the greatest noir films are Westerns, and some of the greatest Westerns are most definitely also noir. If you’re a fan of both genres and want to explore their blend, here are the greatest noir Westerns, ranked.

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‘The Ox-Bow Incident’ (1943)

Image via Warner Bros.

The Ox-Bow Incident is a particularly strong film noir with a Western heart. Starring Henry Fonda, it belongs to the group of films that were only ever nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. Fonda’s performance greatly captures the moral dilemma and unease of the story, while director William Wellman successfully creates a John Wayne-like story with the atmosphere of Double Indemnity. Though it lacks some style and violence to be a clear-cut noir Western, it’s philosophical, serious, and pessimistic enough to count.

The Ox-Bow Incident is set in a small Nevada town, where a posse forms after hearing that a local rancher has been murdered and had his cattle stolen. Two cowboys traveling through town, Art Croft (Harry Morgan) and Gil Carter (Fonda), join the posse of locals who mob together to find the rancher’s killer (or killers). Incidents of mistaken identities collude with self-righteous choices, and the movie plays out like a pressure cooker, where the wrong side of justice and mob mentality cause inevitable chaos.

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‘Blood on the Moon’ (1948)

Image via RKO Radio Pictures

Blood on the Moon is one of director Robert Wise‘s greatest achievements. His vision here brings true noir to the frontier, from gloomy standoffs and night-vision ambushes to low-ceiling interiors that were lit to feel like seedy detective offices. Blood on the Moon is a perfect combo of cowboy mythology and the moral ambiguity of a noir film, and who better to step in as the lead than Robert Mitchum? When co-star Walter Brennan saw Mitchum in his costume, he was awestruck by how impressive Mitchum looked “in uniform.”

Blood on the Moon follows a cowboy drifter, Jim Garry (Mitchum), who arrives in a frontier town to help an old friend, only to discover he’s being pulled into a scheme regarding a land dispute; betrayal and political corruption mark Garry’s stay in town, where he’s left to choose between preserving his pride and honoring past alliances and friendships. Mitchum is brilliant here, as usual; one could argue he’s the most natural noir face in film history. Because of his presence, Blood on the Moon is an essential stepping stone in the blend of noir and Western, perfectly cast, and beautifully imagined.

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‘Pursued’ (1947)

Image via Warner Bros.

Pursued is often cited as the first true noir Western. It’s structured almost entirely around psychological trauma, repressed memory, and fatalistic violence, all the defining traits of a true noir film. This is another feature starring Mitchum, and he’s joined by Teresa Wright, the then wife of the film’s screenwriter Niven Busch. Busch based Pursued on a real-life story he read in the newspaper, finding the plot of the story—and his film—akin to a Greek play or myth. Raoul Walsh, who was usually associated with directing muscular adventure films, superbly guided Mitchum and Wright in two of their greatest performances.

Pursued follows Jeb Rand (Mitchum), a man who was raised by a foster family after surviving the massacre of his entire family. Jeb, growing up under the dark cloud of the trauma he barely understands, falls in love with his foster sister, Thor Callum (Wright). But Jeb’s past only comes out after Thor’s family starts getting involved in their relationship, including Thor’s brother, Adam, and uncle, Grant (Dean Jagger). The Western here is merely a backdrop, and the plot of Pursued is steeped in psychological thrills and a noir mood.

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‘The Proposition’ (2005)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

The Proposition was written by Nick Cave, the famous Australian musician, and he also scored the movie entirely. John Hillcoat directed Cave’s essentially Shakespearean tragedy, giving it a gritty, almost post-apocalyptic feel. The movie has the key ingredients, from moral rot to fatalistic dread and impossible choices, and its unflinchingly brutal violence is rarely stylized; paired with the harsh Australian outback, The Proposition is a scorching hot, dusty noir film. In some ways, the Australian outback here feels like a much better setting for a Western than any American landscape, though it’s hard to call it a Western in a geographical sense.

The Proposition follows outlaw Charlie Burns (Guy Pearce), who is captured by Captain Stanley (Ray Winstone) together with his younger brother, Mikey. Stanley promises to let him and Mikey go free and unharmed if Charlie agrees to kill their older brother, Arthur (Danny Huston), who committed a heinous crime. The examination of family, class, and societal structures that Australia was built on makes up a large portion of the narrative and is neither subtle nor presented through hints; it’s a brutal film with a powerful core.

6

‘High Plains Drifter’ (1973)

Image via Universal Pictures

High Plains Drifter was directed by Clint Eastwood, and it’s one of his most outstanding works—despite being only his second directorial effort. It’s a ghost story wrapped in a revenge Western, complete with a bow made of moral lessons. Visually, the film gives a lot: bright red buildings all over town, a haunting score, and hints of potential supernatural plots at hand. Eastwood preferred the supernatural twist and the offbeat story at the core; he, in fact, loved it so much that he wrapped it before schedule and under budget and enjoyed talking about “The Stranger” in the film as a ghost that haunts for moral high ground.

High Plains Drifter follows a mysterious stranger (Eastwood) who rides into the isolated town called Lago. The townspeople hire him to protect them from vengeful outlaws, but as he himself seizes control of the town, its dark secrets are exposed, and he turns out to be something other than just their savior. The film’s moral world is pitch-black—the townspeople collectively participate in cowardice and violence while asking for moral retribution against others. High Plains Drifter is a fantastically stylish noir Western that remains unforgettable.

5

‘The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford’ (2007)

Image via Warner Bros.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is one of the most out-of-the-mold Westerns ever, and it’s a pretty clear-cut example of a beautiful noir film. This Andrew Dominik masterpiece is a slow-burn psychological drama disguised as a Western; the focus is less on robberies and shootouts and more on obsession, ego, and fatalism. Dominik’s direction is paired with Roger Deakins‘ grainy cinematography, with the tension emphasized through beautiful, moody lighting. Brad Pitt‘s Jesse James is charismatic and terrifying, while Casey Affleck delivers one of the greatest portraits of insecurity shifting into violence in his portrayal of Robert Ford.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford follows the two titular characters—James, near the end of his outlaw career, when he was becoming increasingly paranoid, and Ford, who takes this chance to infiltrate the inner circle of James, an outlaw he greatly admires. As he gets closer to James, his adoration quickly develops into resentment and obsession, resulting in a final betrayal insinuated in the film’s very title. The film leans heavily on noir psychology and develops poetically into a tragic Western—a perfectly complex blend.

4

‘No Country for Old Men’ (2007)

No Country for Old Men is one of the greatest neo-Western noir thrillers of all time, and this beautiful and ominous blend of genres only makes it more appealing; the Coen brothers‘ signature noir-style cinematography and storytelling is present, and the entire plot is very much just straight-up noir, despite being more classified as a neo-Western. The tension is palpable in every shadow, silence, and movement, especially when showing the psychotic killer Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem) on the move; as one of the most famous serial killers on film, Chigurh embodies the existential dread that many noir films tend to make us feel.

No Country for Old Men follows Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), an everyday man living in Texas, who finds a suitcase full of drug money. Feeling guilt for having taken the money, Moss tries to return it, but not before becoming the target of psychopathic hitman Anton Chigurh. No Country for Old Men updates the noir Western for the modern era, and it’s a beautiful, if not haunting, adaptation of Cormac McCarthy‘s nihilistic novel.

3

‘Ride the High Country’ (1962)

Image via MGM

Ride the High Country is Sam Peckinpah‘s masterclass in hiding the noir in plain sight. It’s a crime story wearing a Western disguise, remaining deceptive and nostalgic, but carrying a bleak noir essence. Stylishly directed and elegant, it builds a bridge between old Hollywood Westerns and the noir-filled revisionism of the latter years. There’s everything: betrayal, ethical dilemmas, doomed relationships, and inescapable pasts, you name it. The chemistry and tension between the two classic Western heroes, Randolph Scott and Joel McCrea, is what drives the plot forward most of the time. This was Scott’s final role.

Ride the High Country follows two former lawmen, Steve Judd (McCrea) and Gil Westrum (Scott), who join forces after a long time for a mission to escort a gold shipment through some highly treacherous terrain. As they travel, Westrum plans to steal the gold while the still honorable Judd tries to uphold the law and morality in the situation. The two classic Western heroes, Scott and McCrea, come together in this legendary story of deception and fading moral codes. Some also find Ride the High Country to be quite an emotional tale of right and wrong.

2

‘The Wild Bunch’ (1969)

Image via Warner Bros.-Seven Arts

The Wild Bunch is a classic Western drenched in blood and infused with a deeply noir premise, boasting one of the few antiheroes as the protagonist of a Western. This is another Peckinpah feature, so it’s no surprise it finds its way among the greatest; beyond that, it’s also a revolutionary film for its (then) novel uses of slow motion and quick cuts. The frontier Peckinpah depicts here is Western-coded: morally crooked, corrupt, and full of betrayals and temporary loyalties. What the film ends up depicting is highly noir: a group of men clinging to codes that don’t matter in such environments.

The Wild Bunch follows Pike Bishop (William Holden), an aging outlaw who leads a group of men similar to him, who plan to finally call it quits after one last robbery attempt in Mexico. The job takes place in a revolution-riddled place, inevitably trapping the outlaws between political factions and old acquaintances. There are a few Western films darker than The Wild Bunch; this one may be fatalistic, but it’s the gold standard in many ways, most notably for being a great mix of noir and Western, and for marking a true end of an era in Western-style storytelling.

1

‘The Searchers’ (1956)

Image via Warner Bros.

The Searchers is a movie that inspired cinema throughout history, sometimes in the unlikeliest places. Some analyses draw parallels between The Searchers and Taxi Driver; others find its unique Western setting and noir storytelling to be unlike anything ever made. The protagonist, Ethan Edwards, is one of cinema’s most complex antiheroes; he is charismatic, heroic, and dutiful, yet underneath bigoted, hateful, and often terrifying—he’s someone fairly realistic in a setting that usually depicts glorified, larger-than-life types of heroes.

The Searchers follows Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) as he returns home to Texas after the Civil War. Edwards is invited to become a Texas Ranger, and though he refuses, he goes on a mission with them; while there, Edwards and the Rangers realize it was a ploy to draw them away from their homes. Edwards’ niece, Debbie (Natalie Wood), is abducted and his brother and his family are killed; he embarks on a quest to find Debbie, becoming obsessed and impulsive. As the search lasts, his outbursts of violence make him a threat and a target at the same time. With this, noir is effortlessly present in the film; nearly every theme is there: obsession, vengeance, and alienation. In many ways, the reason it was transposed onto the frontiers of the Old West was to break the myth of the Western genre and critique it.

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The Searchers

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Release Date

May 26, 1956

Runtime

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119 minutes

Director

John Ford

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Writers

Frank S. Nugent

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  Jeffrey Hunter

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  Martin Pawley

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