 In March 2016, West revealed in an interview he had written the role with Hawke in mind.On March 18, 2014, "The Hollywood Reporter" announced that the film would star John Travolta and Ethan Hawke in main roles, with Hawke portraying the film's protagonist Paul, and Travolta portraying the Marshal Clyde Martin, who has a wooden leg.On May 22, 2014, "Deadline Hollywood" reported that Taissa Farmiga had been cast as Mary-Anne, a young innkeeper.