Cry Macho (film)

The original screenplay for Cry Macho was created in the 1970s by N. Richard Nash, the original author of the 1975 novel. His failed attempts to sell the screenplay resulted in the work's novelization, though he later sold the script multiple times in later years.[9] Since then, multiple actors have been in the talks to star in the film's lead role, including Clint Eastwood, Roy Scheider, Burt Lancaster, Pierce Brosnan, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.[10][11]

In 1988, Clint Eastwood reported his interest in creating an adaptation of the Cry Macho novel but ultimately decided to skip the project to work on his reprising role as Dirty Harry in The Dead Pool.[12][13] In 1991, production for a Cry Macho adaption began filming in Mexico, with Roy Scheider in the lead role, though the film was never completed.[14]

In 2003, the Creative Artists Agency lined up two projects with Arnold Schwarzenegger, a remake of the science-fiction film Westworld for Warner Bros. Pictures, and the lead role in an independent film, which happened to be a film adaptation of Nash's script.[15] Due to Arnold's time as the Governor of California, the Cry Macho project was put on hold by producer Al Ruddy until 2011.[16] On April 29, 2011, Arnold announced that his first film following his time as a governor would be the Cry Macho adaptation.[17] The film, which had set Brad Furman as its director, was canceled shortly after Arnold's scandal and divorce with Maria Shriver.[18][19]

Nine years later, on October 2, 2020, it was announced that Eastwood would direct, produce, and star in an adaptation of the novel for Warner Bros. Pictures, using a screenplay written by Nash prior to his death in 2000, which he adapted and penned alongside Nick Schenk (a screenwriter who wrote 2008's Gran Torino, which Eastwood also directed).[20][21]

When it was first revealed that Clint Eastwood would be directing and producing a new film, it had also been announced that he would star as the film's protagonist.[5] On December 17, 2020, one day after filming had concluded, it was announced that Fernanda Urrejola would be appearing in the film in the role of "the boy's mother",[8] and that Eduardo Minett would star opposite Eastwood with Dwight Yoakam, Natalia Traven, and Horacio Garcia Rojas in supporting roles.[6]

Filming of Cry Macho at the Montaño's Family Restaurant (which had been changed to appear as a cafe) in Belen, New Mexico.

Clint Eastwood's Cry Macho adaptation began filming on November 4, 2020, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.[22][23] Filming in the state moved into Socorro County on November 16, concluding in the county on November 30.[24] On December 3, 2020, it was revealed that the city of Belen had also been used as a filming location, with the Montaño's Family Restaurant being turned into a cafe for the shoot.[25]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on filmmaking, crew members had to follow various safety protocols while working on set, such as social distancing, wearing masks, and being tested for the virus on a daily basis.[25] After 45 days of filming, principal photography for the film concluded on December 15, 2020, one day before scheduled.[25][22]