On the Texas border, during the 1880s, Texas Ranger David Kingston (Liam Hemsworth) is sent to an Old West frontier town to investigate a series of murders, in particular to search for the missing niece of a Mexican general. In the town, preacher and mayor Abraham Brant is keeping all the townsfolk in some kind of fearful grip. When David arrives in town, the townsfolk act cold and hostile towards him, with the exception of Abraham, who is smitten by David’s wife, Marisol.
David hides his identity and purpose from Abraham, instead giving the disguise of a wandering traveler. Abraham offers David the role of becoming the town sheriff, which David hesitantly accepts, hoping the position will cover him long enough to carry out his real investigation. While David explores the town and investigates the nearby river for bodies, Abraham slowly begins gaining the trust and affection of Marisol.
The Duel is a 2016 American western film directed by Kieran Darcy-Smith and written by Matt Cook. The film stars Liam Hemsworth, Emory Cohen, Woody Harrelson and Alice Braga. The film was released for limited release and video on demand on June 24, 2016, by Lionsgate Premiere. It was released on DVD and Blu-Ray on August 23, 2016. The filming began on September 15, 2014, in Greenwood, Mississippi. The shooting mostly took place at the former Florewood State Park, which was transformed into an Old West frontier town.
On September 28, 2012, Kieran Darcy-Smith was set to direct the Helena, Texas set western film based on Matt Cook’s 2009 Black Listed script, which David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman were announced to produce for their Mandeville Films. On July 1, 2014, it was announced that Liam Hemsworth and Woody Harrelson would be starring in the western film as David Kingston and Abraham Brant. On August 29, Felicity Price was added to the cast.
On September 5, William Hurt and Alice Braga also joined the cast of the film. WestEnd Films would handle international sales. Adam Rosenfelt and Maureen Meulen would finance the film and co-produce through their Atomic Entertainment. On October 2, Emory Cohen was added to the film to play Isaac. On October 9, Benedict Samuel joined the film to play Brit who visits the town with his father and brother to participate in the preacher’s notorious manhunts. Nicholas Hoult, Joel Edgerton and Jamie Bell were once attached to star in the film in 2013.
The Duel
Directed by: Kieran Darcy-Smith
Starring: Liam Hemsworth, Emory Cohen, Woody Harrelson, Alice Braga, William Sadler, Sue-Lynn Ansari, Christopher Berry
Screenplay by: Matt Cook
Production Design by: Toby Corbett
Cinematography by: Jules O’Loughlin
Film Editing by: Tracy Adams, Blake Harjes
Costume Design by: Terry Anderson
Music by: Craig Eastman
MPAA Rating: R for strong violence and language.
Studio: Lionsgate Films
Release Date: June 24, 2016
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