We’ve already gotten green lit remakes of classic science fiction movies like The Day The Earth Stood Still, so I guess it was only a matter of time before one of the earliest, most iconic pictures got a remake. Variety is reporting that Fritz Lang’s Metropolis has been scooped up by producer Thomas Schuehly (Alexander), who will partner with Mario Kassar to produce a remake.
At least this doesn’t seem like a random movie being targeted, with Schuehly giving some justification for a revisit to the 1927 silent picture: "With the overwhelming role technology plays in our daily lives, the growing gap between rich and poor, including the gradual elimination of the middle class, the story of 'Metropolis' is a frightening reflection of our society that takes place in an all too possible not too distant future.” Sadly, he’s not wrong, which means a remake of the classic picture could be quite timely.
Currently Schuehly and Kassar are tossing around names to direct the picture, and are reportedly already in negotiations with a few “top directors.” Here’s hoping they are looking at directors of substance and not spectacle. I’d hate to see Michael Bay’s take on the German classic, even if it would be visually impressive.
