Several A-listers Gunning for Lead in “Gunsmoke Movie”

(HMG) – Years ago getting out of Dodge was more than just a saying.  But the job of Dodge City peacekeeper is proving to be one of the most desirable Hollywood roles around.  You see CBS Films’ is working on a big-screen adaptation of the classic Western television show “Gunsmoke” that starred James Arnes for 20 years on the small screen, and several top-flight actors (the usual suspects) are vying to play Marshal Matt Dillon.

But complicating the situation is the fact that a director has not signed on yet, though Gregory Poirier, who  wrote “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” has written a draft of the “Gunsmoke” feature script, which the studio is said to like.  Brad Pitt has emerged as a top contender for the role, with Ryan Reynolds also at the top of the list for the juicy, gunslinging part. Still until a director is named it seems unlikely any actor will sign on as this is not one of those rare instances in which a star drives a project forward.

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