Brandon Sklenar is set to star in the upcoming neo-Western thriller The Rescue.
While Sklenar is best known for his role as Spencer Dutton in 1923, The Rescue stands as a standalone project outside of Taylor Sheridan’s television universe. The film is directed by Potsy Ponciroli, who previously helmed the acclaimed Western Old Henry, working from a screenplay by Young Guns writer John Fusco.
The plot follows a rodeo cowboy, played by Sklenar, who must utilize his survivalist skills and the assistance of his dog to track down his daughter after she is kidnapped for ransom. The film features a modern-day Western setting and includes Hassie Harrison in the cast.
Production and Casting Details
The project features a supporting cast with deep roots in the Western and action genres. In addition to Sklenar, the film stars Hassie Harrison, Josh Duhamel, and Tim Blake Nelson. Production for the thriller was conducted in Georgia, with principal photography taking place between February and March 2026.
The Rescue begins what appears to be a busy year for Sklenar. He is also slated to star in F.A.S.T., an action thriller written by Taylor Sheridan, which is expected to reach audiences later in 2027.
While The Rescue shares much of the grit and thematic DNA of the “Dutton Family” sagas, the involvement of Ponciroli and Fusco marks it as a distinct creative endeavor. The film aims to blend the traditional survivalist elements of the classic Western with a high-stakes, modern-day kidnapping narrative.
