If not a leading role played by Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman could out-play any actors including John Wayne in western movies.
Clint Eastwood once invited John Wayne to co-star a western movie, and John Wayne didn't pick up the call.

Truly Magnificent Seven STARS in western movies:
1. John Wayne : soft outside and tough inside
2. Clint Eastwood : calm and wily
3. Kirk Douglas : emotional and fun
4. Gregory Peck : upright and respectable
5. Paul Newman : good looking and stay cool
6. Steve McQueen : spontaneous GUTS
7. Val Kilmer : cool and gallant