From stage to screen: James Hetfield’s gritty sheriff role in 'The Thicket' (2024)

James Hetfield, Metallica’s iconic singer and guitarist, takes on a new role in the western Tubi Original thriller The Thicket, which premiered on September 6, 2024, in the United States. Though people seem to respect his performance, he did go on record as saying, "Next time I’m asked to do something like this, remind me to say no."

Known for his commanding presence on stage, James Hetfield now steps into the shoes of a sheriff, appearing in key scenes, including one where he fires a revolver. The film stars Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage, who also serves as the producer. Dinklage plays Reginald Jones, a bounty hunter who embarks on a dangerous quest to capture a ruthless killer named Cutthroat Bill, portrayed by Juliette Lewis.

The plot revolves around Jones’ desperate pursuit to track down Bill after being recruited by a man in dire need. Alongside the actors mentioned above, the cast features a talented ensemble, including Esmé Creed-Miles, Levon Hawke, Leslie Grace, and Gbenga Akinnagbe. Directed by Elliott Lester, known for Nightingale (2014), and written by playwright Christopher Kelly, The Thicket promises a gritty narrative set in the dangerous 'no-man's-land.'

The film blends suspense and western themes, highlighted by its star-studded cast and atmospheric setting. Fans caught a glimpse of Hetfield in his unnamed role through photos released on social media in the weeks leading up to the film’s release. Now audiences have a chance to check it out!

This isn’t James Hetfield’s first venture into acting

While primarily recognized for his work with Metallica, he has previously appeared as himself in several films, including the highly acclaimed 2004 documentary Metallica: Some Kind of Monster, which delved into the band’s internal struggles and creative processes. He also featured in the 2006 dark comedy The Darwin Awards (also featuring Juliette Lewis).

However, Hetfield’s transition into acting took a more serious turn in 2019 when he portrayed Officer Bob Hayward in the Ted Bundy biopic Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, which many consider to be a good movie. In this film, directed by Joe Berlinger, Hetfield appeared alongside Zac Efron, who played Bundy. Efron praised Hetfield's performance in an interview, describing his surprise at the musician’s natural acting ability.

"James Hetfield, to his credit, absolutely nailed the part,” Efron said. “It’s like he’s been acting his whole life. He had no fear, and he did a great job. I was ready to maybe give James an acting tip, but he didn’t ask for a single one. James Hetfield is the s**t."
Efron also said, "Even though I was acting … when I got pulled over by James Hetfield, it was kinda like a dream come true. [For] a lot of dudes, it would be their dream come true."

Why Hetfield probably won't do much acting

Beyond the film world, Hetfield obviously remains deeply involved with Metallica, a band that has redefined heavy metal over the decades. Formed in 1981, Metallica rose to fame with its thrash metal sound, releasing landmark albums like Master of Puppets (1986), ...And Justice for All (1988), and Metallica (commonly known as The Black Album, 1991), becoming one of the "big four" bands of thrash metal. With Hetfield’s powerful vocals and precise guitar work at the forefront, the band has sold over 125 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music acts of all time.

Their influence on rock and metal music remains undeniable, as they continue to perform and tour globally. The band’s recent album, 72 Seasons (2023), saw Metallica return to their aggressive roots, receiving widespread praise from both critics and fans. While Hetfield’s role in The Thicket may show another side of his talent, his band remains his primary interest.