The Gambler, the Girl and the Gunslinger

The original script for "The Gambler, the Girl and the Gunslinger" was titled "The Hostiles" and written by Larry Cohen with both Clint Eastwood and John Wayne in mind to star. The concept behind the script was to capitalize on the contrasting on-screen personas of the two legendary actors, with Eastwood playing a younger, grittier gambler and Wayne portraying an older, more traditional rancher. Cohen's intention was to create a dynamic interplay between their distinct characters, symbolizing a passing of the torch in Western cinema.

Eastwood was enthusiastic about the potential collaboration and saw it as an opportunity for the two icons to share the screen in a meaningful way. However, John Wayne rejected the project, reportedly disapproving of the script's tone and Eastwood's interpretation of Western storytelling, particularly Eastwood's recent film "High Plains Drifter". This decision ultimately ended any chance of their pairing for "The Hostiles."