Ryan Reynolds to Star in ‘Thunderbolt and Lightfoot’ Remake at Amazon/MGM

When are the remakes going to stop? Does Hollywood not have a shred of originality left in its bones to come up with a story that hasn’t been told before?

Here’s THR reporting that Amazon/MGM Studios and Ryan Reynolds are developing a remake of Michael Cimino’s 1974 feature “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot.” Reynolds is set to star, and co-writing the script with “Fargo” season four writers Enzo Mileti and Scott Wilson.

The buddy comedy starred Clint Eastwood as a bank robber disguised as a preacher, on the run from his former gang, who mistakenly believe he betrayed them. Along the way, he crosses paths with Lightfoot, a low-level street thief played by Jeff Bridges, and the two hatch a plan to join forces with the old gang for a new heist. Of course, nothing goes according to plan.

‘Thunderbolt and Lightfoot’ certainly doesn’t need a remake for modern-day sensibilities; it stands on its own. If originality isn’t an option, I’d rather Hollywood remake bad films. It’s a win-win for them —reimagining flawed movies allows them to fix plot holes, improve acting, and turn forgotten ideas into something worthwhile.

UPDATE: I’ve decided to compile a list of remakes that have been greenlit in these 24 months, are you ready?

Vertigo, Starship Troopers, Night of the Hunter, The War of the Roses, Scarface, The Thomas Crown Affair, Bloodsport, Audition, Houe of Games, The Faculty,The Man From Rio, Headhunters, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, A Colt is My Passport, Fail Safe, Near Dark, 9 to 5, Creature From the Black Lagoon, Possession, A Fistful of Dollars, Backdraft, Another Round, The Wizard of Oz, The Conversation, Rope, The Fly, It’s A Wonderful Life, Body Heat, It’s A Mad Mad Mad World, Witches of Eastwick, Forbidden Planet, Deep Impact, Idle Hands, Cliffhanger, Cruel Intentions, Clue, The ‘Burbs, Highlander