Joel Edgerton Reveals This 38%-Rated Western Was Absolutely "No Fun" to Make

Joel Edgerton is one of the most underrated actors of our time. His filmography is full of hits, including Dark Matter, The King, and Train Dreams.

However, there's one movie he remembers with a shudder: Jane Got a Gun, a Western that should have been a highlight for the entire cast but turned into a production nightmare.

Joel Edgerton Felt That 'Jane Got a Gun' Was Buried From the Very Start

In an interview with Digital Spy, Joel Egerton, who co-wrote the script, recalled:

“For a start, the film didn't come out for two years after everything, and it was plagued by so many problems in between, like day one of the shoot when the director quit, and someone else came on board.

It just felt like the movie was buried. I think Harvey [Weinstein] had done something with The Hateful Eight that hadn't gone as well as he wanted. If Quentin Tarantino can't make any money, what's a problematic western going to do? That wasn't so fun.”

Lynne Ramsay was supposed to direct the movie but left the project just days before filming began due to script and logistical issues.

Jude Law and cinematographer Darius Khondji followed suit. The producers sued Ramsay, but the lawsuit was later settled. Gavin O'Connor was quickly brought in as the new director.

What Is 'Jane Got a Gun' About?

Natalie Portman plays Jane, whose husband, Bill, is attacked by a gang and returns home. He is covered in wounds, and Jane knows the criminals will be back soon.

Needing protection, she turns to the only person who can help: her former lover, Dan. Setting aside the past and pride, Jane and Dan prepare for the siege.

'Jane Got a Gun' Was a Western That Was Doomed by Production Problems

Jane Got a Gun was ultimately released in 2016, three years after it was originally conceived. Critics panned the movie, calling it boring and breathless, and saying even Oscar-winning Portman looked uncomfortable.

Gavin O'Connor, according to reviewers, buried a brilliant cast under a thick layer of gloom. Today, Jane Got a Gun remains remembered as an example of how even a stellar cast and a strong script can be destroyed by production chaos.

And as one of the biggest disappointments of Joel Edgerton's career, who, fortunately, quickly recovered and went on to star in worthy projects.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Jane Got a Gun'?

• Jane Got a Gun has 42% from critics and 38% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 5.9/10.

• On Letterboxd, Jane Got a Gun scored 2.8/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Jane Got a Gun'?

Jane Got a Gun is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video.