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Ron Perlman, known for his roles in “Sons of Anarchy” and “Hellboy,” has embarked on a new cinematic venture in Oklahoma, commencing filming for the western movie “Cottonmouth” after securing a SAG interim agreement. The film, set in 1895 frontier territory, features Martin Sensmeier and Jonathan Sadowski as erstwhile friends turned ruthless adversaries.
With the western genre experiencing a resurgence in recent years, “Cottonmouth” aspires to join the ranks of notable contemporary westerns. Directed by Brock Harris, the movie also boasts a cast including Esai Morales, recognized for his portrayal of the primary antagonist in “Mission Impossible 7,” and Eric Nelson, who brings his western expertise from the Taylor Sheridan series “1883.”
In “Cottonmouth,” Perlman, famed for his portrayal of characters on the other side of the law in “Sons of Anarchy,” assumes the role of a prison warden. His character is characterized as ‘sinister,’ and the prison itself is depicted as ‘tortuous.’ Perlman’s illustrious career spans over 100 films since 1980, and he is particularly renowned for his collaborations with Guillermo del Toro. His credits include “Drive,” “Alien Resurrection,” and “The City of Lost Children.” Additionally, Perlman has contributed his voice to over 80 animated TV shows.
The film’s synopsis, provided by Deadline, outlines a tale set in 1895, tracing the transformation of friends Ed and Frank (portrayed by Sensmeier and Sadowski) into bitter adversaries in the untamed frontier of Oklahoma. Their animosity ignites over a woman (played by Alyssa Wapanatâhk) poised to inherit a prominent saloon. After Ed is ensnared by a bounty hunter (Nelsen) and imprisoned under Perlman’s warden, he must assimilate the ways of an outlaw from a fellow inmate (Morales) in order to escape and exact his revenge.
Director Brock Harris expressed his enthusiasm for creating a western in his home state, emphasizing the significance of working with esteemed performers on hallowed ground. He declared, “Revenge is a dish best served with a smoking gun.”
The resurgence of westerns in contemporary cinema has garnered both popularity and critical acclaim, with films such as “The Power of the Dog,” “The Harder They Fall,” “News of the World,” “Hostiles,” “The Wind,” and Clint Eastwood’s “Cry Macho” receiving positive reception. Perlman, in fact, recently featured in the western film “The Last Victim.”