This August will mark 10 years after the iconic HBO seriesDeadwoodaired its last episode. Throughout the past decade, there had been rumors of a fourth season, but back in August, a rumor surfaced that series creatorDavid Milchwas in talks with HBO to create a newDeadwood moviethat will give the show the ending it deserves. Thankfully, this rumor proved to be true, with HBO confirming that this movie is happening. But there is very little we know about it thus far. Today we have word that one of the show’s iconic stars,Ian McShane, would love to come back as Al Swearengen.
Shortly after the abrupt cancellation ofDeadwood,HBOannounced plans for two TV movies, which never went into production. It seems the network is committed to the project this time around, with a movie that will properlywrap-upthe series as always intended.Ian McShanetellsEntertainment Weeklythat he hopes the network’s deal withDavid Milchis solidified soon. Here’s what he had to say, teasing that the movie could take place 10 years after the show ended.
“Of course I’d love to reprise that. How could one not, when it was snatched away rather unjustly by a combination of forces we’ll never know about - hubris or money or whatever. But [Deadwood] certainly finished too early. At the time, most of us working on the show were incredulous. It’s been announced by HBO so its not like I’m saying it. I know for a factDavidis working on the script. It’s been 10 years since it finished. [StarTimothy Olyphant’s] free fromJustified. I’m hoping they’ll make the deal soon, for two or four hours, whatever they decide on. It was a very close knit group of actors on it. We got along very well. I’m sureDavidwill decide to set it 10 years later, after the great fire or whatever happened inDeadwood. They haven’t done the deal yet. They [were planning] to do it late this year or early next year.”
If a deal is made, and filming does start either late this year or early next year, it’s possible that this movie could debut at some point in 2017. It isn’t known for sure if this will get a theatrical release, like HBO movies such asEntourageandSex and the City, but it is believed to be a TV movie that will debut on HBO. Set in the late 1800s inDeadwood, South Dakota, the show centered on a camp of outlaws that faces a number of challenges, not the least of which is its first elections. But the power struggles continue over everything in Deadwood-influence, money, and whores-as the founding camp members form strategic alliances to face down the threat of a powerful newcomer, seeking to remake Deadwood in his image.
The diverse cast includedTimothy Olyphantas new Sheriff Seth Bullock,Ian McShaneas the ruthless town boss Al Swearengen,John Hawkesas Sol Star,Molly Parkeras Alma Garret,Powers Bootheas Cy Tolliver,Robin Weigertas Calamity Jane,Brad Dourifas Doc Cochran,Leon Rippyas Tom Nuttal,Paula Malcomsonas Trixie,Sean Bridgersas Johnny Burns,W. Earl Brownas Dan Dority,Dayton Callieas Charlie Utter,Jim Beaveras Ellsworth,William Sandersonas E.B. Farnum,Kim Dickensas Joanie Stubbs,Jeffrey Jonesas A.W. Merrick,Titus Welliveras Silas Adams,Anna Gunnas Martha Bullock,Garret Dillahuntas Francis Wolcott,Bree Seanna Wallas Sofia Metz, andBrent Sextonas Harry Manning. Recurring guest stars includedBrian Coxas flamboyant stage promoter Jack Langrishe andGerald McRaneyas power-hungry newcomer George Hearst. Sadly,Ralph Richeson, who played the eccentric cook, passed away before the movie could come to fruition. We’ll continue to keep you posted with more updates on thisDeadwoodmovie as soon as new information comes in.
