On this day June 2, 1989, Renegades premiered in theaters. Directed by Jack Sholder, the action crime drama starred Kiefer Sutherland as an undercover cop and Lou Diamond Phillips as a Lakota man seeking justice for the theft of a sacred tribal spear. The two form an unlikely alliance as they battle corruption, crime, and personal demons.
The supporting cast included Rob Knepper, Bill Smitrovich, and Jami Gertz. Despite a production budget of 16 million dollars, the film only brought in 9 million dollars at the box office, falling short of expectations during a competitive summer movie season.
While not a commercial success, Renegades gained some recognition for its gritty street style, urban Native American storyline, and the on screen chemistry between Sutherland and Phillips, who had recently worked together on Young Guns.
80s insight: Renegades captured a snapshot of late 80s action cinema where buddy cop dynamics, cultural tensions, and stylized shootouts were key ingredients. Though it didn’t reach blockbuster status, it added to the era’s rich lineup of tough, streetwise thrillers led by rising young stars.
The supporting cast included Rob Knepper, Bill Smitrovich, and Jami Gertz. Despite a production budget of 16 million dollars, the film only brought in 9 million dollars at the box office, falling short of expectations during a competitive summer movie season.
While not a commercial success, Renegades gained some recognition for its gritty street style, urban Native American storyline, and the on screen chemistry between Sutherland and Phillips, who had recently worked together on Young Guns.
80s insight: Renegades captured a snapshot of late 80s action cinema where buddy cop dynamics, cultural tensions, and stylized shootouts were key ingredients. Though it didn’t reach blockbuster status, it added to the era’s rich lineup of tough, streetwise thrillers led by rising young stars.
