Tubi Films has released the first glimpse of their upcoming film The Thicket, featuring Hollywood star Peter Dinklage and a surprising cameo by legendary METALLICA frontman James Hetfield.
Based on the Joe R. Lansdale novel, The Thicket hits theaters nationwide on September 6th, 2024. The story follows Shorty, a relentless bounty hunter played by Dinklage, tasked with tracking down a vicious kidnapper. Set in the Wild West around the turn of the 20th century, the film follows Shorty and his companions as they venture into the treacherous and lawless territory known as the Big Thicket.
The impressive cast alongside Dinklage includes Juliette Lewis (known for her role in Yellowjackets), Esmé Creed-Miles (Hanna), Levon Hawke (The Crowded Room), and rising stars Leslie Grace (In The Heights), Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Old Man), and Macon Blair (I Care A Lot). Veteran actors Ned Dennehy (Peaky Blinders), Andrew Schulz (Infamous), and Arliss Howard (Mank) round out the ensemble.
Directed by Elliott Lester (Blitz), with a screenplay by Christopher Kelly, The Thicket promises a thrilling cinematic experience. Filming wrapped up last year, and anticipation is building for its theatrical release.
Lester discussed adding Hetfield to the film in an interview with Collider: “The casting of James Hetfield in ‘The Thicket’ is a story that feels almost destined. It all began with a dream — one morning I woke up with a clear vision that James had to be in the movie. James Hetfield, a Rock God, embodies a raw poetry that fit perfectly with the character we envisioned. From that moment, Peter Dinklage and I were relentless in our pursuit. We tried every possible avenue: his manager, mutual friends, anyone who could help us reach him. Our breakthrough came when writer/director Sacha Gervasi [Anvil! The Story Of Anvil], who had a connection to James, stepped in.
“Despite our efforts, we were unsure if James would even consider the role. We sent him the script, along with a Hail Mary, and waited. To our delight, within days we heard that James was interested. The meeting that followed confirmed our hopes. James could not have been more humble. He revealed that he had always wanted to do a dark western, aligning perfectly with our film’s vision. From that point on, James was incredible. He was hard-working, diligent, and fully embraced his role with a passion that brought a unique intensity to the film. The journey with James has been extraordinary, and his presence truly elevates The Thicket to a new level.”
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.