SkipStone Pictures’ Western, Trail of Vengeance, continues its ride through awards season with a Film Threat “Award This!” 2026 nomination, while Rumer Willis draws Best Actress attention from Cowboys & Indians Magazine and the film keeps streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
No more waiting! Trail of Vengeance is AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND! Don’t waste another second, grab your remote, and start watching NOW!
Film Threat “Award This!” 2026 — Nominee (Best Feature) The 7th annual event is set for Saturday, January 31, 2026 at The Frida Cinema in Santa Ana, California. Selected from nearly 2,000 films reviewed in 2025, Trail of Vengeance stands among the year’s most compelling independent titles.
Rumer Willis — Best Actress recognition (Cowboys & Indians Magazine) Willis’ performance as Katherine Atherton continues to earn acclaim for grit and emotional depth. Add the ballot or feature link if it is live.
Katherine Atherton (Rumer Willis) in Trail of Vengeance (2025)
The Film
Set in 1875, Trail of Vengeance follows Katherine (Rumer Willis) after her husband’s murder at the hands of Colonel Davis (Jeff Fahey). She teams up with John Scobell (Gbenga Akinnagbe), a former Pinkerton agent, to pursue justice across a harsh and beautiful American frontier.
Ensemble cast: Rumer Willis, Jeff Fahey, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Eric Nelsen, James Landry Hébert, Jeremy Sumpter, and the late Graham Greene.
Colonel Davis (Jeff Fahey) in Trail of Vengeance (2025)
If you have not saddled up yet, now is a great time. Stream Trail of Vengeance and see why audiences are rallying behind this modern Western.
John Scobell (Gbenga Akinnagbe) & Katherine Atherton (Rumer Willis) in Trail of Vengeance (2025)
Horse riding was an essential part of life during the Old West era! Horses were the primary mode of transportation and played a vital role in daily activities such as travel, farming, ranching, and even warfare. They were also deeply tied to the culture of the time, symbolizing freedom, and self-reliance—qualities that are often central to Western stories like Trail of Vengeance. The movie uses horse riding to immerse viewers in the period, with characters like Katherine (Rumer Willis) showcasing their connection to this iconic part of frontier life.
Zeke (James Landry Hébert) and Frank Cooper (Eric Nelsen) in Trail of Vengeance (2025)
A Return to Traditional Story Telling
Team CLN and I are proud to support Skipstone Pictures, the people behind the film, who believe in the power of narrative to shape American character and community. Rooted in family values, they tell stories that remind us all to “Cowboy Up!” Teaching a new generation to meet hardship with resolve and triumph with humility. This film is a testament to those ideals, a saga of grit and grace that calls us all to stand tall against the odds.
“I grew up watching Westerns, where self-determination meets integrity, and everything came down to the man you chose to be. Every time I get to saddle up, it feels like stepping into something timeless.”
Ragin’ Cajun cowboy raised by Indians & the nicest bad guy you’ll ever meet. James Landry Hébert, Actor, Credits: 1883, Horizon: An American Saga, Stranger Things, Trail of Vengeance (2025) as Zeke
“The cowboy way is simple—do your job, protect your own, and don’t make excuses. It’s not about talking tough; it’s about standing your ground with quiet strength. That’s the code I try to live by, on screen and off.”- Eric Nelsen (Frank Cooper)
Eric Nelsen on embracing the Cowboy WayEric Nelsen, Actor, Producer Credits: 1883, A Walk Among the Tombstones, and The Affair, Trail of Vengeance (2025) as Frank Cooper
Frank Cooper (Eric Nelsen) in Trail of Vengeance (2025)
Movie Facts
“Writing Trail of Vengeance with Daniel Backman was a deeply immersive experience, plunging into the raw spirit of the Old West, crafting characters that embodied justice, redemption, and the untamed frontier. Adding historical figure John Scobell to the mix brought an extra layer of authenticity.
As the director, my goal was to infuse every scene with weight and tension, ensuring that every choice mattered. Justice wasn’t just an abstract ideal; it was something fought for. Casting was about finding performers who could convey that struggle and resilience, bringing real depth to the story.”
Rumer Willis (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”, “Empire”, “Hidden Exposure”) as Katherine Atherton
Graham Greene (Oscar-nominated, “Dances with Wolves”, “The Green Mile”) as Hoko
Jeff Fahey (“Silverado”, “Wyatt Earp”, “Horizon: An American Saga”) as Colonel Davis
Gbenga Akinnagbe (“The Thicket”, “The Old Man”, Kathryn Bigelow’s upcoming film) as John Scobell
James Landry Hébert (“1883”, “Horizon: An American Saga”, “Stranger Things”) as Zeke
Eric Nelsen (“1883”, “A Walk Among the Tombstones”, “Buffalo Daze”) as Frank Cooper
Jeremy Sumpter (“Peter Pan”, “The Legend of 5 Mile Cave”, “Into the Storm”) as Caleb Atherton
Graham Greene (Oscar-nominated, “Dances with Wolves”, “The Green Mile”) stars in Trail of Vengeance as Hoko
Greene, a celebrated Indigenous actor, brings authenticity and representation to the story, which is set in the diverse and complex backdrop of the Old West. His role contributes to the film’s commitment to showcasing characters from varied cultural and racial backgrounds, enriching the narrative and reflecting the era’s diversity.
Jeff Fahey (“Silverado”, “Wyatt Earp”, “Horizon: An American Saga”) stars in Trail of Vengeance as Colonel Davis
The plantation where Colonel Davis resides in Trail of Vengeance reflects period accuracy. Plantations were a prominent feature of the Southern United States during the 19th century, often associated with wealth and power.
James Landry Hébert (“1883”, “Horizon: An American Saga”, “Stranger Things”) stars in Trail of Vengeance as Zeke
Horses, Guns, and Living the Life
“You can’t cheat a Western. If you don’t know how to ride, how to draw, how to carry yourself in the saddle—it shows. We trained hard for this, in the dead of summer. Every scene had to feel like it came straight out of the 1800s, not a soundstage.” – Eric Nelsen (Frank Cooper)
Revenge
Katherine Atherton (Rumer Willis) in Trail of Vengeance (2025)
Katherine’s quest for revenge begins after the devastating murder of her husband, Caleb, orchestrated by a corrupt colonel in the lawless frontier of 1875. Her journey unfolds as she teams up with John Scobell, a former Pinkerton agent with a troubled past, to uncover the truth and seek justice. A widow determined to avenge her husband’s death embraces her resilience, independence, and skills.
Inclusivity of Storytelling
Gbenga Akinnagbe as John Scobell and Eric Nelsen as Frank Cooper in Trail of Vengeance (2025)
John Scobell is portrayed as a pioneering Black Pinkerton agent, a role that inherently challenges the racial norms of the time. Their partnership reflects a breaking of racial barriers, as they work together toward a shared goal of justice and redemption despite societal prejudices. This dynamic adds depth to the story, highlighting themes of resilience and unity in the face of adversity. It’s a powerful narrative choice that underscores the importance of inclusivity in storytelling.
Follow Skipstone Pictures for Old-Fashioned Family Values and American Story Telling
Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life.
Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion.
After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community.
Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.
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