Filmmaker Zack Snyder is officially heading back into genre territory, signing on to write and direct a new reimagining of the cult sci-fi action classic ‘Escape from New York’ for StudioCanal.
The project marks the most significant movement on an Escape from New York feature adaptation in years and is currently being assembled before heading to market in the coming weeks. Sources indicate that the intention is for the film to receive a full theatrical release.
Producing duties will be handled by Andrew Rona and Alex Heineman through their overall deal with StudioCanal. The duo’s company, The Picture Company, will produce alongside Snyder and his Stone Quarry partners Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller.
Importantly, legendary filmmaker John Carpenter, who co-owns the underlying rights to the franchise with StudioCanal, is actively involved in the new adaptation and will serve as executive producer.
Also in news – First look images and new cast revealed for ‘The Assassin’ Season 2
Released in 1981, ‘Escape from New York’ envisioned a future version of 1997 where Manhattan had been transformed into a sprawling maximum-security prison, isolated from the rest of the United States.
The story follows antihero Snake Plissken, played by Kurt Russell, a former war hero turned outlaw who is forced into a dangerous rescue mission after the President of the United States crashes inside the prison city carrying information of global importance.
The film also featured a memorable supporting cast including Ernest Borgnine, Isaac Hayes, Donald Pleasance, Harry Dean Stanton and Adrienne Barbeau.
Carpenter later revisited the character with the 1996 sequel Escape from L.A..
While story details remain tightly under wraps, early reports suggest Snyder is aiming for a more grounded and gritty approach rather than the highly stylised visual spectacle associated with many of his superhero films.
The filmmaker reportedly wants to embrace practical effects, real-world locations, and a rougher aesthetic, drawing inspiration from his acclaimed feature debut, the 2004 remake of ‘Dawn of the Dead.’
