From stage to screen: James Hetfield’s gritty sheriff role in ‘The Thicket’ (2024)

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As a seasoned gamer who has lived through several generations of metal and cinema, I must say that James Hetfield’s foray into acting is not just a surprise but a testament to his versatility. The guy from Metallica, known for his thunderous riffs and commanding presence on stage, has proven time and again that he can hold his own in the world of film.

James Hetfield, renowned singer and guitarist of Metallica, stepped into a fresh role for the Tubi Original western thriller titled “The Thicket“, which had its U.S. premiere on September 6, 2024. Although many praised his acting, he himself admitted in an interview, “When I’m asked to do something similar next time, kindly remind me to decline.

In this new role, James Hetfield is renowned for his powerful stage persona, taking on the role of a sheriff in the movie. He can be seen in crucial scenes, even brandishing a revolver at one point. Notably, the film boasts Peter Dinklage from “Game of Thrones”, who doubles as the producer. Dinklage assumes the character of Reginald Jones, a bounty hunter, who sets out on a perilous mission to apprehend a merciless outlaw called Cutthroat Bill, played by Juliette Lewis.

The story centers on Jones, who is hired by a man in trouble, leading him on a frantic hunt to find Bill. Alongside the previously mentioned actors, this movie boasts an impressive cast with Esmé Creed-Miles, Levon Hawke, Leslie Grace, and Gbenga Akinnagbe. Elliott Lester, famous for “Nightingale” (2014), directs, while playwright Christopher Kelly pens the script. With a raw storyline unfolding in a perilous ‘no-man’s-land,’ The Thicket promises an engaging watch.

The movie combines elements of suspense and the western genre, with a stellar cast adding depth and an evocative backdrop. In the days preceding its premiere, photos surfaced on social media platforms featuring Hetfield in his enigmatic character. Now, viewers have an opportunity to watch it!

This isn’t James Hetfield’s first venture into acting

Known mainly for his work with Metallica, he has also made appearances in various films under his real name, such as the critically praised 2004 documentary “Metallica: Some Kind of Monster“, which explored the band’s internal conflicts and creative endeavors. Additionally, he was part of the 2006 dark comedy “The Darwin Awards“, alongside Juliette Lewis.

In 2019, James Hetfield’s foray into acting took a more serious stride as he starred as Officer Bob Hayward in the Ted Bundy biopic, “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile.” This movie, helmed by director Joe Berlinger, is widely regarded as a good film. In this production, Hetfield shared the screen with Zac Efron, who portrayed Bundy. Efron lauded Hetfield’s acting skills in an interview, expressing his surprise at the musician’s convincing on-screen performance.

Zac Efron praised James Hetfield, stating he delivered his role flawlessly and seemed like a seasoned actor. He showed no signs of fear and did an excellent job. I was prepared to offer him some acting advice, but he didn’t ask for any. In essence, James Hetfield is incredibly talented.

Why Hetfield probably won’t do much acting

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always found a strong connection between my passion for virtual worlds and my admiration for the real-life powerhouse that is Metallica. This legendary band, which I’ve been part of since its inception in 1981, has not only shaped but redefined the landscape of heavy metal music over the years.

The impact of this band on rock and metal music is indisputable, as they persistently perform and tour around the world. Their latest album, “72 Seasons” (2023), marked a comeback to their intense musical style, earning applause from both critics and enthusiasts alike. Although James Hetfield’s work in “The Thicket” highlights another facet of his abilities, his band remains his main passion.

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2024-09-10 21:31