In the heart of the untamed American West, a thrilling tale of revenge, redemption, and an audacious pursuit of hidden Confederate gold unfolds in the upcoming film Outlaw Posse. Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with two of the film's talented stars, John Carroll Lynch and William Mapother, to delve into the captivating world they bring to life on the big screen.
The narrative centers around Chief, a formidable gunslinger portrayed by Mario Van Peebles, whose unique brand of justice has kept him lying low in the depths of Mexico. The decision to return to the American West sets the stage for Chief to assemble an eclectic band of outlaws, each with their own set of skills and quirks.
Lynch takes on the role of Carson, an enforcer and former partner-in-crime of Chief. Carson is a complex figure, and there's a history between him and Chief that adds layers to the story. Assembling this misfit posse brings out unexpected dynamics, and Carson plays a crucial role in the unfolding drama.
Meanwhile, Mapother embodies the sadistic arch nemesis, Angel, whose sick passion for vengeance and Beethoven makes him a formidable adversary. Angel is a character-driven by obsession and revenge. The clash between Chief and Angel sets the stage for an intense showdown that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
The Outlaw Posse includes Southpaw, a left-handed quick draw expert played by Jake Manley; Spooky, a bawdy vaudeville performer portrayed by DC Young Fly; and Queeny, a knife-wielding saloon girl brought to life by Amber Reign Smith. The group faces the unexpected challenge of Chief's estranged son, Decker (Mandela Van Peebles), infiltrating their ranks as a spy for the relentless Angel.
As the Outlaws navigate the treacherous trail, they find ingenious ways to turn their diverse backgrounds into strengths. Chief's unconventional plan, involving Spooky posing in 'white face' to rob a bank disguised as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, is just one example of the film's ability to blend action, humor, and unexpected twists.
The journey takes them through an outpost run by the wise Ossie (Edward James Olmos) and into the company of the wily frontierswoman Stagecoach Mary (Whoopi Goldberg). The outcasts eventually find themselves in the utopian barter town of Lil’ Heaven, led by Horatio (Cedric the Entertainer), where they recruit the dynamite expert Jeremiah (Allen Payne).
With Angel and his iron brigade relentlessly pursuing the Outlaws, Chief, and his posse face their ultimate challenge as they reach the vast mines containing the elusive Confederate gold. Decker's revelation about his backstory with Chief adds an emotional layer to the narrative, setting the stage for an unexpected reunion with his estranged father.
As the old arch-enemies finally come face-to-face, father and son must unite with the Outlaws, outmanned and outgunned, to pull out all the stops in a desperate fight for more than just their own lives. Outlaw Posse promises to be a rollercoaster of action, emotion, and unexpected alliances, making it a must-watch for fans of the Western genre.
In the words of Mapother, get ready for a wild ride. Outlaw Posse is a blend of classic Western elements with a fresh and exhilarating twist. The dynamics between the characters and the intense showdowns will keep audiences hooked from start to finish. As the anticipation builds for the film's release, audiences can rest assured that Outlaw Posse is set to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Jessie Hobson