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Clint Eastwood

The Western Genre’s Real-Life Showdown: Clint Eastwood & John Wayne’s Feud Explained

SUMMARY

 John Wayne and Clint Eastwood clashed over their differing views on the Western genre, leading to their inability to star together on the big screen.
 Clint Eastwood’s emergence in the gritty spaghetti Western subgenre challenged John Wayne’s traditional view of Westerns and the ideals associated with them.
 John Wayne refused to work with Clint Eastwood on a Western film due to his belief that it favored Eastwood’s style, which was not aligned with Wayne’s own vision of the genre.

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Though they are likely the two biggest names in the Western genre, John Wayne and Clint Eastwood didn’t get along which killed any hopes of them starring together on the big screen. Whereas John Wayne had been a mainstay in the genre since his acclaimed breakthrough role in John Ford’s Stagecoach (1939), Clint Eastwood — nearly 25 years Wayne’s junior — didn’t arrive until his unveiling as a leading man in Sergio Leone’s Dollars trilogy (1964 – 1966). The apparent succession was difficult for Wayne, who was also dismayed by the dark transition that the genre was making, coinciding with Eastwood’s rise to fame.

Though it would not be fair to blame Eastwood for the emergence of the gritty spaghetti Western subgenre which refuted the classic Western’s unending romanticism for its depicted era, his elevation to gunslinging mainstay was only possible because of Sergio Leone. Just as Wayne and Ford are forever synonymous, as are Eastwood and Leone. Wayne outright condemned the evolution the Western genre underwent in the 1960s, refusing to star alongside Clint Eastwood even though Clint Eastwood was eager to work with him. Because the two subgenres of Wild West movies were never reconciled, it meant inevitably that Wayne and Eastwood would never be either.
John Wayne Hated Eastwood’s Take On The Western
Wayne’s Traditional View Of Westerns Was Challenged By A More Rebellious New Era

Clint Eastwood stands in the desert in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

John Wayne and director John Ford together epitomized the early 20th-century dedication to portrayals of the Old West: charming, starry-eyed, and probably a bit out of touch. Though many from the era were still alive by the time of the genre’s golden age, its most popular additions were stubbornly inaccurate and over-idyllic. When Clint Eastwood — and the spaghetti subgenre with which he was best associated — came along, the ideals of unambiguous morality, American Exceptionalism, and Manifest Destiny were torn apart. Wayne, perpetually patriotic and conservative, was opposed to such progressiveness and was particularly irritated by Eastwood’s rising star, which arguably came to surpass his own for a time in the 1960s.

John-Wayne-The-Searchers-best-30-seconds

Clint Eastwood & John Wayne Represented Two Different Generations

Audiences Wanted Westerns That Mirrored The Morally Complex Society Of The Time

The landscape of the Western had changed drastically by the end of the 1960s. Not only had the revisionist subgenre (whose durability would carry it all the way 21st century, best exemplified by the 2016 miniseries Godless) captured the hearts of audiences, but spaghetti Westerns especially had rewritten the laws of the genre entirely.
A Fistful of Dollars (1964) — a remake of Kurosawa’s Yojimbo (1961) — marked the dawn of a new age of cowboy pictures, spearheaded by Eastwood, Charles Bronson, and Franco Nero. The new generation preferred a grittier, bloodier, and more unapologetic depiction of the Old West, contradicting the great works of Wayne, who came from an old generation of Western romantics.
John Wayne Refused To Star In A Clint Eastwood Movie
Wayne Saw The Collaboration As Favoring Eastwood’s Style Rather Than His Own

Western movies john wayne clint eastwood

B-movie director Larry Cohen envisioned Wayne and Eastwood would work together on a Western that he was writing, The Hostiles, which began coming together in the early 1970s. There’s not much known about the script – other than that it focused on a young gambler and an older man – but Wayne saw it as a continuation of the spaghetti Western trend which he believed was plaguing the genre. In particular, he had been unimpressed by Eastwood’s directorial debut High Plains Drifter (1973), a cynical, aromantic illustration of the Old West. The dispute was unsolved because Wayne’s view of the era — one of nobility and mystique — could not be reconciled with the new interpretations that Eastwood pioneered.

Clint Eastwood

From Clint Eastwood to Jason Statham, 5 Hollywood Badass Who Would Never be a MCU Superhero

Hollywood has seen plenty of actors portray the quintessential “badass” character with their rugged charm, fearless personas, and no-nonsense approach to their roles. However, not every one of these tough-as-nails stars is a natural fit for the larger-than-life world of superhero cinema, especially within the high-flying, action-packed universes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
1. Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood
From A Fistful of Dollars to Cry Macho, Clint Eastwood has enjoyed a career spanning over six decades. Clint Eastwood is known for the tough, no-nonsense characters he portrayed throughout his career.
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With his gravelly voice, Eastwood has always been the epitome of the Hollywood badass. The 93-year-old has often chosen to direct and act in serious, adult-oriented content. As revealed by CBR, the former mayor expresses his thoughts on the superhero genre.
“I read comic books when I was a kid, I don’t read them now. I prefer adult oriented stuff. I mean that in the PG-13 or R sense, but that’s as far as it goes.”
Clint Eastwood‘s focus remains distinctly elsewhere in an industry increasingly dominated by superhero narratives.
2. Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts has a broad range of acting skills, which she has showcased brilliantly in various genres, including serious dramas and psychological thrillers. While she has excelled in these genres, she prefers smaller, more personal projects and TV shows. Therefore, it is unlikely that she would be interested in taking up roles in superhero movies.
In an interview with The Times, Watts revealed that the film industry was in a “sad state,” which is why the actress prefers the drama genre.
“I definitely noticed that a lot of great writing was taking place in the TV format now, probably because of the sad state of the film industry and how all the films getting made are mostly in the franchise world, or superheroes or big comedy blockbuster-type movies, and I really tend to enjoy working in the drama genre.”
Nonetheless, her commitment to her craft and her ability to bring depth to her characters make her an asset to any project she chooses to undertake.
3. Matt Damon
Matt Damon is a highly respected and accomplished entertainment industry figure, receiving critical acclaim and widespread commercial success.
Despite his connections with influential individuals in the superhero genre, he has yet to take on a superhero role, which presents an opportunity to explore a new aspect of his craft and further expand his already impressive repertoire.
4. Jason Statham
It is unlikely that Jason Statham, who has openly expressed his preference for films that focus on human performance rather than special effects, would be interested in joining the superhero genre, especially the MCU.
In an interview with Digital Spy, Statham confirms that he is not interested in being a part of the Marvel universe.
“The fascination is superheroes, it’s what people want to go and see but you wouldn’t get me rushing to the cinema to see those. I like the old-fashioned type of film. They’ve never offered me a part in one of those and I don’t think the shoes would fit. Or the cape wouldn’t fit!”
Statham’s expertise and career choices align more with traditional action cinema. The actor’s legacy in the action genre is defined by intense stunts and a straightforward demeanor, which sets him apart in Hollywood as a unique figure, far removed from the superhero universe’s caped adventures.
5. Reese Witherspoon
Reese WitherspoonReese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon is an actress renowned for her versatility and has excelled in roles requiring strong character development. However, Witherspoon hasn’t been a part of the action-packed superhero movie genre of the MCU due to the diverse range of roles she has taken throughout her career.
Witherspoon seems to desire more substantial and complex characters, as evidenced by her past remarks about the lack of appealing roles in big-budget movies, including superhero films.

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Clint Eastwood

From Al Pacino to Clint Eastwood, Here Are 9 Celebs Who Became Dads in Their Golden Years

Here Are 9 Older Celebs Who Welcomed Kids Later in Life
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Mike Marsland; Photo by Ray Tamarra

Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Mike Marsland; Photo by Ray Tamarra
 

 
Also Read: Nick Cannon Defends Beyoncé’s Renaissance Premiere Look: “Kim Kardashian Wishes She Looked Like That”
 
Older celebs are rewriting the parenting playbook, proving that there’s no expiration date on fatherhood. Al Pacino and Robert De Niro have also joined the league of seasoned celebrity dads, challenging the conventional timeline. The National Center for Family and Marriage Research notes the average age for new fathers hovers between 27 and 30, but these icons are rewriting the script, embracing fatherhood past the age of 65. Juggling toddlers in your 30s is demanding enough, but these stars took on the challenge after retirement. From embracing the bachelor life to laser-focused careers, these nine celebrities deferred daddy duty until their 40s and beyond.
1. Al Pacino – 83 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by AxelleImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Axelle
 
At 83, iconic actor Al Pacino defied age norms by becoming a father once again, welcoming a son named Roman Pacino with his 29-year-old girlfriend, producer Noor Alfallah. The couple’s relationship gained attention in April 2022, and a few months later, they joyfully announced the arrival of their child, who arrived in the summer of 2023. Already a father to three grown children—Julie Marie, Anton, and Olivia—Pacino embraces fatherhood anew with enthusiasm. His eldest daughter, Julie Marie, was born in 1989, when he was still married to Jan Tarrant, while the twins, Anton James and Olivia Rose, were welcomed in 2001 with Beverly D’Angelo, as per US Weekly.
2. Robert De Niro – 79 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Stephane CardinaleImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Stephane Cardinale
 
At 79, legendary actor Robert De Niro surprised many by welcoming his seventh child, Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, in May 2023. During interviews, De Niro has also been quite frank about having so many kids, emphasizing the joy of expanding his family even at an advanced age. The iconic Oscar winner, whose oldest child is 51, acknowledged that parenthood doesn’t get easier but expressed contentment with embracing fatherhood once again. De Niro’s diverse family includes children from previous marriages and relationships, showcasing a 51-year age gap between his eldest and youngest offspring, as per Parents.
3. Mick Jagger – 73 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Paul BergenImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Paul Bergen
 
At the age of 73, Mick Jagger, the iconic frontman of The Rolling Stones, welcomed his eighth child with girlfriend Melanie Hamrick. The news was confirmed by his publicist, who also gave details about Jagger’s presence at the hospital and the well-being of the mother and baby. As per The Daily Mail, despite Jagger and Hamrick having no plans to marry, the rock legend flew from London to New York for the birth. Now at 79, Mick Jagger has a total of eight children, including sons James, Gabriel, and Lucas, and daughters Karis, Jade, Elizabeth, and Georgia May. In addition to his extensive family, Jagger is a grandfather to five and even became a great-grandfather in May 2014.
4. George Lucas – 69 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Taylor HillImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Taylor Hill
 
Star Wars creator George Lucas and Mellody Hobson embraced parenthood later in life with the birth of their daughter, Everest Hobson Lucas, on August 9, 2013. At the age of 69, Lucas, known for his directorial prowess, welcomed his first biological child through surrogacy. Everest joined Lucas’s family alongside his three adopted children, Amanda, Katie, and Jett. Hobson, Lucas’ wife, played a significant role in expanding their family in their later years. Today, at 79, George Lucas continues to navigate the joys of fatherhood with Everest, as per Reuters.
5. Billy Joel – 68 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Naomi RahimImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Naomi Rahim
 
At the age of 68, legendary singer Billy Joel embraced fatherhood once again with the arrival of his daughter, Remy Anne, born to his fourth wife, Alexis Roderick, on October 22, 2017, at New York University Hospital, as per USA Today. This marked Joel’s third venture into parenthood, as his second daughter, Della, was born in 2015. The iconic Piano Man singer shared his joy by performing My Life the day after Della’s birth, proudly displaying photos of his newborn. Notably, Joel’s firstborn, Alexa Ray, is now 36, with her mother being Joel’s second wife, Christie Brinkley.
6. Steve Martin – 67 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images |  Photo by Jon KopaloffImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Jon Kopaloff
Comedic legend Steve Martin welcomed fatherhood at 67 when his wife, Anne Stringfield, gave birth to their daughter Mary in December 2012. Known for his timeless roles, including Father of the Bride, Martin became a first-time dad after keeping the pregnancy a well-guarded secret. The couple’s age difference—Stringfield being 26 years younger—added to the surprise. Martin’s journey into parenthood was unconventional, considering he had portrayed a father on screen long before becoming one in real life. Mary, born in 2012, stands as the beloved actor’s only child, emphasizing that life’s most significant roles often come later in one’s narrative, as per Hollywood Life.
7. Clint Eastwood – 66 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Eddie SandersonImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Eddie Sanderson
At 66, Clint Eastwood welcomed his youngest daughter, Morgan Eastwood, on December 12, 1996, with his second wife Dina Eastwood, then 31. Despite his age, Eastwood asserted that he became a better father with enhanced parenting skills. Known for directing Sully, Eastwood also has six other children from previous marriages. Morgan, now 27, gained attention as a teen on E!’s Mrs. Eastwood & Company in 2012 and has since pursued a versatile career in the entertainment industry. She has acted in films like Million Dollar Baby and Changeling, produced a short film titled I See You, and contributed to the soundtrack of Johnny Mercer: The Dream’s on Me.
8. Alec Baldwin – 64 Years Old
 Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Roy RochlinImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Roy Rochlin
 
At 64, Alec Baldwin and his wife, Hilaria, celebrated the arrival of their eighth child, Ilaria Catalina Irena Baldwin, on September 22, 2022. The couple, expressing gratitude, shared the joyful news, emphasizing the magic and love surrounding their expanding family. Alec, known for his Saturday Night Live stint, has children from different marriages, including a daughter named Ireland with ex-wife Kim Basinger. Having tied the knot with Hilaria in 2012, the Baldwins embraced parenthood with zeal, with their latest addition, Ilaria, joining the Baldwinito clan, as per US Weekly.
9. Paul McCartney – 61 Years Old
Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Samir HusseinImage Source: Getty Images | Photo by Samir Hussein
 
At 61, Paul McCartney defied expectations by embracing fatherhood once again with the birth of his daughter, Beatrice Milly McCartney. His enthusiasm for parenting at an older age was evident as he expressed genuine delight in the experience. The Beatles legend, previously a father to three grown children from his first marriage, found joy in the ‘thrill’ and ‘education’ of raising a young child. This new chapter unfolded with his second wife, Heather Mills, marking the beginning of a different yet fulfilling fatherhood. Beatrice’s arrival brought immense joy to the couple, who described her as ‘a little beauty,’ as per Entertainment Weekly.

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Clint Eastwood

The Netflix Clint Eastwood Thriller That’s Still An A+ In Suspense

Clint Eastwood movie


In the Line of Fire is the story of a Secret Service agent named Frank Horrigan who suffers from severe PTSD stemming from his inability to stop a murder when he was younger. Failing to save anyone would be traumatizing, but Frank didn’t let “anyone” get killed. It was the JFK assassination that he failed to stop.
When an ex-CIA agent calling himself Booth (after John Wilkes) makes it known that he plans to kill the current president, Horrigan begs to be put on active duty again. The middle-aged secret service agent wants a chance to make up for not saving Kennedy by making sure this president doesn’t get taken out. What follows is a tense back and forth as Booth continuously contacts Horrigan to tease him about letting John F. Kennedy get shot as Frank attempts to locate and stop the would-be assassin.

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