Bruce Willis Almost Blazed a Trail in a Sci-Fi Remake of “The Searchers”

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that Hollywood loves a good remake. But sometimes, they set their sights on classics that should probably remain untouched. One such example? John Ford’s iconic Western, “The Searchers,” which almost got a sci-fi makeover starring Bruce Willis.

Remaking the Untouchable:

The idea of remaking a film as revered as “The Searchers” might seem sacrilegious. Yet, in the late 1990s, Warner Bros. was developing a sci-fi reimagining titled “The Trail,” with Bruce Willis attached to fill John Wayne’s iconic boots (or perhaps spacesuit).

“The Searchers” in Space:

Penned by “Falling Down” screenwriter Ebbe Roe Smith, “The Trail” aimed to transpose the core elements of “The Searchers” into a futuristic setting. Phillip Noyce, the director behind “Patriot Games” and “Clear and Present Danger,” was set to helm the project.

The premise, as intriguing as it might sound, raises questions about how effectively the themes of racism and revenge, central to “The Searchers,” could be translated to a sci-fi context. While some have successfully bridged the gap between Westerns and sci-fi (think “Star Trek” and “Outland”), “The Trail” ultimately failed to launch.

Why “The Trail” Went Cold:

The reasons for the project’s demise remain unclear. However, it’s speculated that the failure of Willis’ Disney comedy “Broadway Brawler” and his subsequent commitment to three other Disney films (“Armageddon,” “The Sixth Sense,” and “The Kid”) may have played a role.

A Missed Opportunity or a Bullet Dodged?

While the idea of a sci-fi “Searchers” with Bruce Willis at the helm might pique some curiosity, it’s hard to deny the potential for disaster. “The Searchers” is a film deeply rooted in its genre and historical context, and any attempt to reimagine it risks diluting its power and impact.

Perhaps, in this case, it’s best that “The Trail” remains untrodden, leaving “The Searchers” to stand as a timeless classic.