In Roger Ebert’s review of the new film, he remarks that Wayne wore a toupee and a corset in his version. So I don’t think he deliberately gained any weight for the role. Maybe he didn’t tighten his corset so much.
My mom and sis probably are. They loved the original ( I didn’t, and have no plans to see this one. not a THING wrong with it, just not my cuppa). I betcha they’re planning on seeing it opening night as well.