Rare original Australian Daybill movie poster. The Hunter is a 1980 American thriller film directed by Buzz Kulik and based on the exploits of real-life bounty hunter Ralph "Papa" Thorson who has a cameo in the film. The film is notable for being Steve McQueen's final acting role before his death in November of that year. This was also the last theatrical film made by director Buzz Kulik. The cast also features Eli Wallach (The Magnificent Seven), Kathryn Harrold, LeVar Burton, Ben Johnson (The Getaway) and Richard Venture.