The time has come. There are no more old movies will all-male casts to be redone with all-female casts, nor are there any more 90s sitcoms with problematic or now entirely irrelevant stars to be rebooted. That is the only explanation for why what was once the most innovative network but has lately devolved into merely a factory of mediocrity (with one smash hit notwithstanding), is making a pretty shrewd decision. HBO is reviving the beloved, and critically acclaimed “Deadwood,” the 2004 – 2006 show that currently sits upon the throne of the “canceled-too-early” category. While one would be entitled to think that HBO would instead churn out yet another painful season of Real Time with Bill Maher than take a risk, but we’re heading to the late 19th century, South Dakota. Mazel Tov to all those Deadwood fans who held out hope for 12 years!
And, luckily, every single actor who ever appeared on this show was available!
The plot for the revival, per HBO: “The indelible characters of the series are reunited after ten years to celebrate South Dakota’s statehood. Former rivalries are reignited, alliances are tested, and old wounds are reopened, as all are left to navigate the inevitable changes that modernity and time have wrought.”
Carolyn Strauss, a former HBO executive and an executive producer on the movie, told Entertainment Weekly that, “it’s about the passage of time. The toll of time on people. It’s mellowed some people and hardened others. And it’s about the town’s maturing and becoming part of the Union and what that event sets in motion, in a very personal way for the people that it brings in town and what ensues. The toll of time has not just struck Deadwood and the characters but all the people making it as well, you get to see the faces of people 12 years later.”
Sounds pretty good, but some fans may still hold a grudge considering it ended ON A GODDAMN CLIFFHANGER, then sat in the basement collecting dust FOR 12 GODDAMN YEARS while HBO inexplicably created and swiftly canceled hits like “John from Cincinnati“, “Angry Boys,” and “Vice Principals.”
Here’s the official synopsis:
Former rivalries are reignited, alliances are tested, and old wounds are reopened, as all are left to navigate the inevitable changes that modernity and time have wrought. Starring Ian McShane, Timothy Olyphant, and Molly Parker. Deadwood: The Movie premieres May 31 on HBO.
Nevertheless, writer David Milch got back on the horse to give Ian McShane, who plays bar owner Al Swearengen, and Timothy Olyphant, the lawman Seth Bullock, some work. Robin Weigert as Calamity Jane Canary, Molly Parker, as Alma Ellsworth, Paula Malcomson as Trixie, John Hawkes as Sol Star, Anna Gunn as Martha Bullock, Dayton Callie as Charlie Utter, Brad Dourif as Doc Cochran, William Sanderson as E.B. Farnum, Kim Dickens as Joanie Stubbs, and Gerald McRaney as George Hearst, are all set to return. “Deadwood” the movie premieres May 31 on HBO.