Matt Dillon Takes the Lead in the New MGM+ Series of The Magnificent Seven
EXCLUSIVE: Matt Dillon will both headline and executive produce the upcoming eight-episode drama series The Magnificent Seven for MGM+, a reimagining of the classic 1960 Western film. The series is the brainchild of Tim Kring, the creator of Heroes.
Dillon is set to portray Chris Adams, the leader of a group of seven gunslingers determined to defend a village of innocents from a mercenary land baron intent on seizing their land. Characterized by his stoicism and strong moral compass, Chris Adams is a man of few words, exhibiting a fierce opposition to hypocrisy and cruelty.
In the original film, this role was famously played by Yul Brynner, while Denzel Washington took on a similar character in Antoine Fuqua’s 2016 remake.
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Part of MGM+’s strategy to produce series with a cinematic feel, The Magnificent Seven is penned by Tim Kring, who will also serve as executive producer alongside Donald De Line, Lawrence Mirisch, Bruce Kaufman, and Matt Dillon. Casting is directed by Seth Yanklewitz, with production handled by MGM+ Studios and MGM Television Studios. Filming is anticipated to start in June 2026 in Calgary.
“Matt Dillon brings extraordinary depth and gravitas to this iconic role,” stated Michael Wright, global head of MGM+. “His ability to portray complex, morally conflicted characters makes him the perfect choice to lead our reimagining of The Magnificent Seven. This series honors the legacy of the original film while exploring timeless themes about courage, redemption, and standing up against oppression—and Matt’s performance will be at the heart of that story.”
Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 1880s American frontier, the series follows a group of seven skilled but flawed mercenaries enlisted to protect a peaceful Quaker village after it suffers a massacre at the hands of mercenaries working for a ruthless land baron. As the team prepares to defend the villagers, they confront a fundamental question: is violence justified in protecting those whose beliefs are rooted in non-violence? The series examines the backstories of each of the Seven, the stakes involved, and their motivations for taking on this mission, delving into themes of honor, sacrifice, redemption, morality, and faith. The Magnificent Seven will be accessible on the premium linear channel and streaming service MGM+ across multiple regions, including the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile.
Dillon, an Oscar nominee for Crash, recently appeared in Apple TV+’s High Desert alongside Patricia Arquette. He is set to star in Claire Denis’ The Fence alongside Tom Blyth, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, and will portray Frank Stallone in Amazon MGM Studio’s I Play Rocky, directed by Peter Farrelly. Dillon’s extensive body of work includes notable films such as The Outsiders, There’s Something About Mary, and Drugstore Cowboy, for which he earned an IFP Spirit Award. His representation includes UTA and Untitled Entertainment.
