Chris Stapleton Brings “White Horse” to Life with Hollywood Flair and a Cinematic Western Storyline
A Star-Studded Music Video Set in the Heart of Texas
Chris Stapleton has once again blurred the line between music and cinema with the stunning new music video for his GRAMMY and CMA-winning hit, “White Horse.”
Filmed across the sweeping desert landscapes of Marfa, Texas, the video was produced by Strange Arcade and directed by Running Bear Films, known for their visually rich storytelling. The production enlists an all-star cast featuring Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men, True Grit), Mae McKagan, and Tommy Martinez (Good Trouble), alongside appearances from Stapleton himself and his wife and longtime collaborator, Morgane Stapleton.
The result is a cinematic short film that matches the grit, emotion, and soulful tension of the song itself.
A Western Tale of Love, Redemption, and Letting Go
The video unfolds like a modern-day Western fable. It follows a young couple on the run after robbing a bank, with Brolin playing a sheriff caught between duty and compassion.
As the sheriff tracks the fugitives, he develops an unspoken, almost paternal bond with the young woman (played by McKagan). Despite being sworn to uphold the law, he’s drawn to protect her from the violent path she’s chosen.
The story builds to a tender conclusion — the couple marrying and riding off into the sunset, leaving behind their reckless past and the man who could have brought them down.
According to directors Stephen Kinigopoulos and Alexa King Stone of Running Bear, the vision came directly from the soul of the song:
“Listening to ‘White Horse’ over and over again, we visualized a couple on the run and wanted to add some complexity with the parental sheriff relationship between Mae and Josh’s characters. What was just going to be an action-packed love story, also became a story about letting go and trust.”
A Song Born from the Silver Screen
Interestingly, “White Horse” was originally written with Hollywood in mind. Over a decade ago, Stapleton and Dan Wilson (of “Closing Time” fame) were commissioned to write a song for the 2013 film The Lone Ranger starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer.
With little context beyond the movie’s title, the two crafted a raw, electric, and cinematic track — heavy on guitar riffs and bursting with Stapleton’s unmistakable soulful grit.
Though the song ultimately wasn’t used in the film, it found its true home years later, appearing on Stapleton’s album and dominating country radio. It went on to become his fourth No. 1 hit, earning 135 radio adds — the biggest add day of 2023 — and marking his highest Mediabase chart debut at No. 31.
The song’s dusty western sound and heartfelt lyrics evoke the image of a lone cowboy chasing redemption, making it a natural fit for the film-inspired music video.
A Milestone Year for Stapleton
The release of the “White Horse” video caps off another remarkable year for the Kentucky native. Stapleton is nominated for four awards at the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards, including:
Best Country Song – “A Song to Sing” (with Miranda Lambert)
Best Country Solo Performance – “Bad As I Used to Be”
Best Country Duo/Group Performance – “A Song to Sing” and “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame” (with George Strait)
He’s also heading into the CMA Awards with nominations for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Music Video of the Year for “Think I’m in Love With You.”
This year’s show also marks a special milestone — 10 years since Stapleton’s legendary CMA duet with Justin Timberlake and the release of his groundbreaking debut album, Traveller.
The Road Ahead: A Legacy Still Unfolding
As 2025 draws to a close, Stapleton continues to expand his live empire. His critically acclaimed “All-American Road Show” will extend into 2026, alongside a series of intimate “An Evening with Chris Stapleton” performances in Las Vegas, Thackerville, and Uncasville — featuring Stapleton’s full band and no openers, just pure, unfiltered soul.
With its powerful storytelling, sweeping visuals, and heartfelt performances, “White Horse” is more than a music video — it’s a western epic set to one of country music’s most soulful voices.
In true Stapleton fashion, it’s not just a story about love or redemption — it’s a reminder that even in the wildest storms, there’s always a sunset waiting beyond the horizon.