James Hetfield has been cast in an upcoming western film. The legendary Metallica frontman has reportedly landed a role in the Tubi offering The Thicket. While little is known about the role at present, the cast does feature some Hollywood heavy-hitters, with Peter Dinklage producing and starring in the film, alongside Juliette Lewis, Esmé Creed-Miles, Levon Hawke and many more.
An adaptation of the Joe R. Lansdale novel, The Thicket has commenced principal photography, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, meaning that Papa Het will be required on set some time in the not too distant future.
We're quitely hoping that he manages to work in at least one "YEAH" or "you want heavy, Metallica gives you heavy, baby!" into the dialogue.
The announcement of the film role continues a rather busy period of activity for Hetfield, with Metallica out on a massive world tour ahead of the release of their new album 72 Seasons which set to drop in April. Metallica shared the video for their new single If Darkness Had A Son yesterday, the third track released from the highly anticipated new album 72 Seasons, If Darkness Had A Son is a classic Metallica mid-tempo stomper, in the vein of Harvester of Sorrow or The Thing That Should Not Be.
Lyrically, If Darkness Had A Son sees Hetfield continue to explore the darker side of the inner workings of the human mind, examining the seemingly innate self-destructive tendencies that dwell within. If Darkness Had A Son follows prior singles Screaming Suicide and Lux Aeterna in previewing 72 Seasons which is due for release on April 14th.
The second single Screaming Suicide picked up where first single Lux Aeterna kicked off, infusing some old-school Metallica vibes into a new-school Metallica headspace. Arriving accompanied by a film clip directed by Tim Saccenti, it is a track that asks you to reflect upon an uncomfortable truth while you headbang, as James Hetfield explains:
"The song 'Screaming Suicide’ addresses the taboo word of suicide. The intention is to communicate about the darkness we feel inside. It's ridiculous to think we should deny that we have these thoughts. At one point or another, I believe most people have thought about it. To face it is to speak the unspoken. If it's a human experience, we should be able to talk about it. You are not alone.”
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