When it was announced, informally, that Brett Ratner wouldn’t be helming the Escape From New York remake ("Ranter Won’t Escape New York" – October 2007), I was all smiles from ear to ear.
This morning, though, when Daily Variety announced that Gerard Butler wouldn’t be doing the film either, my spirits sank. Of all the things about this remake, Butler was definitely the one I was happiest with for the role of Snake Plissken, a role made famous by Kurt Russell back in the day. Now he’s exited the project due to "creative differences", and New Line has brought in Jonathan (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines) Mostow to re-write and possibly direct.
While it’s a blow to the production, I really hope they’re smart enough to hold off on casting the lead until they find just the right person because Snake does not have the kind of shoes one steps into lightly. We’ll let you know when we hear more!
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Submitted by Johnny Butane on Wed, 10/31/2007 - 6:52am.
I think Butler made a good decision. Why get stuck in some cockamamie remake instead of doing something a bit more challenging? Especially while he has some clout, now.
Maybe New Line will eventually do the smartest thing ans just out the whole thing to rest. I'm sure no one wants anything like THE FOG remake.
Submitted by elric300 on Fri, 11/02/2007 - 1:29pm.
You know...the guy that they modeled Snake after in Metal Gear Solid (and his voice) would be PERFECT for the part...Google for David Hayter. Pretty badass.
Submitted by Blockbuster on Wed, 10/31/2007 - 7:58pm.
Dang. Butler would have done well.
Submitted by Bone Daddy on Wed, 10/31/2007 - 12:38pm.