Bill Paxton was 61 when he died in February 2017.
Bill Paxton’s legacy is stitched into the upcoming movieLast Train to Fortune.
McDowell toldPEOPLEthat he’s been trying to get the movie made for decades.

James Paxton is the son of later actor Bill Paxton.Steve Granitz/WireImage; Brian To/Variety/Penske Media via Getty
He took another look in recent years.
“I said, ‘I’ve always loved that script.
It’s such a beautiful script, really,'” MacDowell said.
“‘Why don’t we get James Paxton to do it?’
He’d be the same age as his dad was, almost.
A little bit younger, but even better.'”
Steve Granitz/WireImage; Brian To/Variety/Penske Media via Getty
The elder PaxtondiedFeb.
25, 2017 of complications from surgery.
His credits over the years includeTraining Day,Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., andThe Cleaner.
He’d previously said that he would appear in oneas a way of paying tribute.
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McDowell described the younger Paxton as “pretty levelheaded” and “a very fine young actor.”
“I do think he’s a very dedicated, wonderful actor and we had so much fun.
I mean, he says it’s like a father-son thing.
I thought it was two mates having a go, you know?”
“I thought their relationship turned out to be really delicious.”
Last Train to Fortunewill be released in the fall.Twistersis out July 17.