The film is adapted from the real experience of Frank Hopkins, a horse racer in the Western United States. Screenwriter John Fosker had a special liking for the American West, Great Plains Indian culture and horses when he was a student. While participating in the work of protecting native American thoroughbred horses, he undoubtedly encountered Hopkins and his mounts. Thus found the story material of the film. Fosker spent 12 years researching and writing screenplays. During this period, he referenced more than 70 years of related historical books, including the works of historians James Frank Dobby and Rui Dandrad. He even reported to Wyoming. State-born elders and farmers know little-known stories about Hopkins and Hidago.
The producer of the film, Kathy Silver, invited Joe Johnston to serve as the director. In Silver’s view, Johnston is a versatile player across multiple types of films, and the film is just a collection of multiple elements. In the movie, Joe's enthusiasm and perspective will bring this true story to life. Director Johnston was attracted when he was reading the first draft of the script. The journey of redemption of the lost soul and the friendship between man and horse are the parts of the story that attract him the most
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