Bill Paxton's son James Paxton, 30, was chosen by Malcolm McDowell to play role originally for his late father in upcoming Western film Last Train To Fortune
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James Paxton was brought on by Malcolm McDowell to take on the role originally meant for his late father, Bill Paxton, in the upcoming Western titled, Last Train To Fortune.
The Clockwork Orange actor, 81 - who recently opened up about reuniting with ex-wife Mary Steenburgen in the movie - discussed how the idea of James portraying an outlaw named Dooley came about.
Bill Paxton - who is known for his other roles in projects such as Titanic (1997) and Twister (1996) - passed away at the age of 61 after suffering a stroke in February 2017.
'I said, "I've always loved that script. It's such a beautiful script, really. Why don't we get James Paxton to do it?"' McDowell expressed during an interview with People published on Wednesday.
'He'd be the same age as his dad was, almost. A little bit younger, but even better,' the British-born star continued.
James Paxton was brought on by Malcolm McDowell to take on the role originally meant for his late father, Bill Paxton, in the upcoming Western titled, Last Train To Fortune; James seen with his later father in 2017 in L.A.
'I said, "I've always loved that script. It's such a beautiful script, really. Why don't we get James Paxton to do it?"' McDowell expressed during an interview with People published on Wednesday
Last Train To Fortune has been in the making for decades - with late Lindsay Anderson originally slated to direct the film in the early 1990s.
Anderson passed away at the age of 71 in France in 1994 before production began on the Western.
Malcolm also talked about working alongside James - who has starred in various projects throughout his budding career thus far, including Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2020), Eyewitnesses (2016) and the upcoming action thriller Twisters (2024).
'So we did a read-through at my house and I think everybody went "Wow." It's pretty good when you hear it aloud for the first time.'
The Oscar-nominated actor added of Bill Paxton's son, 'I must say that he's pretty levelheaded.'
'Of course, [there is] the weight of his dad, but that's every day in life he's had that, and he's a very fine young actor.'
In the Western, McDowell took on the role of a schoolteacher named, Cecil Peachtree, while Paxton portrayed Dooley - an outlaw.
The premise follows the pair, 'as they strike a deal and develop an odd friendship along the road to Fortune after having to deal with gunfights, jailbreaks and saloon gals on the way,' per an IMDB synopsis.
![The Oscar-nominated actor added of Bill Paxton's son, 'I must say that he's pretty levelheaded. Of course, [there is] the weight of his dad, but that's every day in life he's had that, and he's a very fine young actor'; James seen in June in Westwood](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/07/11/01/87182663-13621827-The_Oscar_nominated_actor_added_of_Bill_Paxton_s_son_I_must_say_-a-1_1720656522073.jpg)
The Oscar-nominated actor added of Bill Paxton's son, 'I must say that he's pretty levelheaded. Of course, [there is] the weight of his dad, but that's every day in life he's had that, and he's a very fine young actor'; James seen in June in Westwood
In the Western, McDowell took on the role of a schoolteacher named, Cecil Peachtree, while Paxton portrayed Dooley - an outlaw; McDowell seen in 2021 in London
Other stars that were cast in the movie - which is slated to premiere later this year in the fall - include Mary Steenburgen, Bernadette Peters and also Laura Marano.
Steenburgen and McDowell previously starred together in past films such as Time After Time (1979) and Cross Creek (1983). The two were also married from 1980 through 1990.
On reuniting with his ex-wife, Malcolm also revealed to People, 'I didn't really know how it would be, but from the first moment we started rehearsing it was like putting on a pair of comfortable slippers.'
'Just the working experience was so comfortable and so "I've got your back," that kind of thing,' he explained to the outlet.
After working together on Time After Time, the two stars sparked up a romance, with Malcolm recalling, 'We both kind of fell in love on that film, but we're both now with other partners and very happy.'
Steenburgen notably later tied the knot with Ted Danson in 1995, while the British-born star said 'I do' to Kelley Kuhr in 1991.
Steenburgen and McDowell previously starred together in past films such as Time After Time (1979) and Cross Creek (1983). The two were also married from 1980 through 1990; seen above on set of Time After Time (1979)
Last Train To Fortune is directed by Adam Rifkin while the script was written by his mother, Michele Rifkin, over three decades earlier, according to Deadline.
While discussing finally bringing the Western to the screen, the director told the outlet, 'I say with utter confidence this is one of the most powerful performances Malcolm McDowell has given in his storied career. And James Paxton is a revelation.'
Malcolm also talked about the project and explained, 'Peachtree is one of the most fun and satisfying characters I've ever played.'
'Plus, the theme that we're never too old or too young to change, is universal. The story is sweet, funny and heartfelt.'
He further expressed, 'I've waited 60 years to do a Western so I'm thrilled my first one gets to be Last Train To Fortune!'
James reflected on having the opportunity to fill the role initially meant to be taken on by his later father. 'Excited to be working with a master like Malcolm McDowell, we're having a blast.'
'I've also been a longtime fan of Adam Rifkin's and am over the moon to be working with him as well.'
Bill Paxton had starred in a number of films during his successful Hollywood career, such as Aliens (1986), True Lies (1994) and Apollo 13 (1995)
On February 11, 2017, the actor passed away at the age of 61 after suffering from a stroke - 11 days after undergoing surgery to replace a heart valve and repair aorta damage; seen in 2016 in West Hollywood
Bill Paxton had starred in a number of films during his successful Hollywood career, such as Aliens (1986), True Lies (1994) and Apollo 13 (1995). He was also no stranger to the Western genre, and appeared in the critically acclaimed movie, Tombstone (1993).
On February 11, 2017, the actor passed away at the age of 61 after suffering from a stroke - 11 days after undergoing surgery to replace a heart valve and repair aorta damage.
The following year, his family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and alleged he had used a 'high risk and unconventional surgical approach.'
In February 2022, Bill's family reached a $1 million settlement with a medical group and later that same year in August, reached an additional settlement with the hospital.
