Fans of westerns can dream, can’t they? Here’s a list of A-listers we’d love to see in our favorite genre.
Known for rugged landscapes, high-stakes showdowns, and gritty yet charismatic characters, westerns are one of Hollywood’s most iconic and enduring genres. They thrive on star power — John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, the list goes on. But while the western has created and welcomed several on-screen legends, some of today’s brightest stars have yet to pull on their boots.
Here’s our list of the top stars we’d love to see saddle up.
Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson has dazzled audiences with starring roles in big-budget blockbusters like The Avengers series, her own Black Widow spinoff, and family films like The Jungle Book and Sing. Yet, her acting capabilities don’t end there — who can forget her emotionally resonant dramas like Marriage Story and The Prestige. But Johansson has never ventured into the Old West landscape, which feels like a glaring omission in her career. With her ability to bring strength and an often-disguised vulnerability to her characters, she could perfectly embody a sharpshooting outlaw or a fearless ranch owner defending her land.
Scarlett Johansson speaking at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. Photo: Gage Skidmore.
Ryan Reynolds
Known for his quick wit in films like the Deadpool series and heartfelt performances in romantic comedies like The Proposal, Ryan Reynolds has made a career out of bringing lightheartedness to often-sticky situations. The Hollywood star has also shown his dramatic side in movies like The Captive, Buried, and Mississippi Grind, but Reynolds has yet to go full-on horseback. His charisma and natural comedic timing could add a fresh element to the traditional western hero, making him an unforgettable gunslinger or even a charming conman in the Wild West.
Ryan Reynolds at the 2015 San Diego Comic Con International in San Diego, California. Photo: Gage Skidmore.
Chris Hemsworth
His commanding presence as Thor in The Avengers series shows just how much Chris Hemsworth can amp up action and adventure. He’s no slouch when it comes to the serious side either, as films like Extraction 2, 12 Strong, and Red Dawn attest. The Aussie star has yet to take on a role in a western a la C&I cover stars Robert Taylor and Hugh Jackman. With his rugged good looks and imposing stature, Hemsworth would be a natural as a fearless lawman or a mysterious drifter with a hidden past.
Chris Hemsworth speaking at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. Photo: Gage Skidmore.
Margot Robbie
Another Aussie star, Margot Robbie has stolen scenes in everything from The Wolf of Wall Street to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Her starring role in Barbie earned his worldwide recognition and acclaim, but she has yet to star in a western. Robbie’s chameleonlike ability to adapt to any role would make her a fantastic fit for an oater, whether as a cunning outlaw or a resilient pioneer navigating the harsh frontier.
Margot Robbie speaking at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con International, for Suicide Squad, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Photo: Gage Skidmore.
Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg is no stranger to gritty, action-packed roles in films like Flight Risk, The Departed, and Lone Survivor, in addition to dramatic performances in All the Money in the World and The Fighter. Still, the versatile ex-rapper formerly known as Marky Mark has never stretched his repertoire to strap on a pair of six-guns for a western. With his tough-as-nails demeanor and knack for playing morally complex characters, Wahlberg would excel as a rugged gunslinger or a redemption-seeking outlaw.
Mark Wahlberg at the Contraband Movie Premiere in Sydney, Australia, in 2012. Photo: Eva Rinaldi.
Viola Davis
Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis commands every scene she’s in, whether it’s in Fences, Custody, or The Woman King, yet the Old West frontier remains unexplored territory. The Juilliard graduate, who started in small stage productions before going to Broadway and then to the screen, brings all the intensity and emotional depth that would make her stand out in any western role — maybe as a matriarch attempting to hold her family together in a brutal landscape or a vengeful woman with a score to settle.
Viola Davis speaking at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. Photo: Gage Skidmore.
Dwayne Johnson
Who doesn’t know The Rock? From his time as a worldwide sensation in professional wrestling to his early days as an actor, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has done it all. He’s conquered action and adventure in films like Jumanji and the Fast & Furious franchise and a dramatic role in Gridiron Gang. Surprisingly, the western genre is still missing from The Rock’s résumé. With his larger-than-life personality (and physique), Johnson could dominate as a fearless marshal tracking down a gang of outlaws or a legendary outlaw with a heart of gold and a witty demeanor.
Dwayne Johnson at the G.I. Joe Retaliation red carpet movie premiere in Sydney, Australia, in 2013. Photo: Eva Rinaldi.
Emma Stone
Emma Stone has proven her acting range throughout her varied career, from dramatic roles in La La Land, The Favourite, and The Help to comedic turns in Superbad, Zombieland, and Easy A. Who could forget her offbeat genius in tours de force like Cruella and Poor Things. Despite her star power, Stone has never saddled up for a western. Her sharp wit and charm could bring a refreshing twist to the genre, whether as a card shark or a quick-drawing deputy breaking stereotypes in the Old West.
Emma Stone speaking at Wondercon 2012 in Anaheim, California, on March 17, 2012. Photo: Gage Skidmore.