The respected actor and activist is slated to host the HDNET Movies series from May 19 to Aug. 11.
Cherokee actor and activist and C&I reader favorite Wes Studi has signed on to serve as host for Summer of Westerns, an upcoming film series presented by the HDNET Movies cable channel.
Widely recognized for his influential role in changing the way Native Americans are cast and portrayed in modern western films, Studi will be on hand to provide his perspectives and reflect on his career while introducing the Summer of Westerns selections on Sundays from May 19 to Aug. 11.
“The core themes in western films in many ways are as relevant today as they were back in that time period,” Studi said in a statement announcing the series, “which may be a part of why these movies endure. I look forward to sharing some insights, as well as few fun stories, as we journey through the history of the American West as only Hollywood can tell it.”
Stephan Shelanski, general manager of HDNET Movies, added: “From the memorable characters he has brought to life on screen, to the shift he helped bring to Native American representation in western films, Wes Studi is the perfect host for our Summer of Westerns. This summer, with the valuable insight of one of the genre’s finest stars, we hope to make new movie memories while enjoying some of our favorite western films of the past.”
Summer of Westerns will kick off at 4:10 pm ET May 19 with Studi showcased in the title role of Geronimo: An American Legend, director Walter Hill’s acclaimed 1993 drama co-starring Gene Hackman, Robert Duvall, Jason Patric and Matt Damon. Among the other stars who will shine May 19 on HDNET Movies: Gregory Peck and Charlton Heston in William Wyler’s The Big Country (1958), 6:10 pm ET; Robert Redford in Sydney Pollack’s Jeremiah Johnson (1972), 9 pm ET; and Robert Mitchum, Yul Brynner and Charles Bronson in Buzz Kulik’s Villa Rides (1968), 10:55 pm ET.
The May 26 lineup includes Yul Brynner and George Segal in Richard Wilson’s Invitation to a Gunfighter (1964), 3:05 pm ET; Steve McQueen, Karl Malden and Brian Keith in Henry Hathaway’s Nevada Smith (1966), 4:40 pm ET; Mel Gibson, James Garner and Jodie Foster in Richard Donner’s Maverick (1994), 6:50 pm ET; Clint Eastwood and Chief Dan George in Eastwood’s The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), 9 pm ET; and Kevin Costner, Dennis Quaid and Gene Hackman in Lawrence Kasdan’s Wyatt Earp (1994), 11:20 pm ET.
The complete Summer of Westerns schedule will be posted soon on the HDNET Movies website. Here is a preview of the series.