Tommy Lee Jones (The Homesman) is set to write and direct a remake of Mark Rydell's 1972 film, The Cowboys.  In the original, John Wayne stars as rancher Wil Anderson who attempts to drive his cattle herd to market before suffering financial ruin.  When his ranch hands abandon him to chase dreams of riches in the gold mines, Anderson is forced to hire untested schoolboys to accompany him on the drive.  Along the way, the boys not only learn some harsh life lessons but also how to stand up for themselves.  Sounds like an old-fashioned, yet timely movie; they don't make em like this anymore.  The same could be said for Jones himself, who has yet to confirm whether or not he'll star in the remake.  Hit the jump for more.

Variety reports that Jones is on board to write and direct The Cowboys, with Warner Bros. distributing.  Watch the trailer for the 1972 version of The Cowboys below, and then tell me you can't hear Jones growling through Wayne's dialogue. And is it just me or would Walton Goggins be great in the antagonistic role of Long Hair, originally played by Bruce Dern?