Paramount’s upcoming modern Western thriller The Rescue is officially underway — and it’s filming in Georgia.
Production began in early February near Atlanta under the working title “Smoky.” The film reunites two prominent actors from Taylor Sheridan’s television universe: Hassie Harrison (Yellowstone) and Brandon Sklenar (1923).
The project is directed by Potsy Ponciroli(“sit on it Potsy“), best known for the critically praised Western Old Henry, with a screenplay by John Fusco. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on January 29, 2027.
A Modern Western With High-Stakes Action
Plot details remain largely under wraps, but the film has been described as:
“A modern day Western in which a rodeo cowboy’s skills are put to the test outside the arena.”
That description suggests a contemporary setting with classic Western DNA — likely blending rugged Americana with action-thriller elements.
The film was previously in development during the Skydance–Paramount transition and is among the first major projects greenlit under the studio’s new structure.
Filming in Georgia Under Code Name “Smoky”
Cameras began rolling in early February in the Atlanta area, operating under the code name “Smoky.”
Georgia has become a frequent home for Western and action productions thanks to its varied landscapes, experienced crews, and production infrastructure. While exact filming locations have not yet been disclosed, metro Atlanta and its surrounding counties have doubled for rural Americana in numerous previous projects.
Given the rodeo-centric storyline, it wouldn’t be surprising if production utilizes Georgia’s open land areas to replicate classic Western environments.
Duluth’s Gas South Arena was the site of filming during a recent Rascal Flats concert. Jeff Allen was in attendance and provided these great pictures of the scenes being filmed during intermission. It appears Hassie Harrison (wife of Yellowstone actor and music artist Ryan Bingham) is not portraying a barrel-racer but instead may be playing the part of a country singer named Kaley Tucker.
Taylor Sheridan Alumni Reunited
Both leads bring Western credibility to the film.
Sklenar is best known for playing Spencer Dutton in 1923, the Yellowstone prequel.
Harrison previously portrayed Laramie in Yellowstone. However she is unlikely to be a barrel-racer in The Rescue.
Their shared background in Sheridan’s storytelling world gives The Rescue immediate appeal among Western fans.
Sklenar’s Packed 2027 Slate
Sklenar’s career trajectory continues upward. In addition to The Rescue, he is set to star in:
F.A.S.T. (April 23, 2027), written by Taylor Sheridan and directed by Ben Richardson.
Vegas: A Love Story, currently filming.
He also recently appeared in The Housemaid with Sydney Sweeney and the thriller Drop, further solidifying his presence in action-driven roles.
Rumors also have been swirling about his possible casting as Batman in the new James Gunn DCU.
Harrison’s Expanding Film Resume
Harrison has also been building momentum across genres. She is set to appear in the thriller Raven alongside Anthony Mackie and Pablo Schreiber and recently starred in Dangerous Animals, which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
Paramount’s Early 2027 Anchor
With a January 29, 2027 release date, The Rescue appears poised to kick off Paramount’s theatrical year. Other 2027 projects on the studio’s slate include Get Lite (April 9, 2027) and an untitled horror event film arriving July 16.
If Ponciroli delivers another gritty Western in the vein of Old Henry, The Rescue could mark a strong start to the studio’s year.
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