It was more than seven years ago that we first learned Hollywood was planning a remake of John Carpenter's classic action film Escape From New York, and while we've heard regular updates over the years, the reality is that the project has never been able to budge out of development hell. Instead, the proposed movie has been kept alive by the occasional tidbit or casting rumor that reminds us all that executives are still working hard to get the thing off the ground. We've heard various names like Gerard Butler, Jeremy Renner, Jason Statham, Tom Hardy and more suggested for the lead role of Snake Plissken, but nothing has ever actually solidified. One could imagine any of those stars still being considered for Escape From New York, but now the rumor mill has generated three new names now seen as contenders.
This story comes to us from the folks at Starlog, who claim to have some insider information regarding who the folks at Silver Pictures and Studio Canal are currently looking at to star in the new Escape From New York. If they can be believed (and I would highly recommend a grain of salt be taken with this story), then the current contenders are Pacific Rim and Sons of Anarchy lead Charlie Hunnam:
The Walking Dead's Jon Bernthal:
And Dan Stevens, best known for his part on Downton Abbey, and soon to be seen with Liam Neeson in A Walk Among The Tombstones:
The site's sources say that none of the actors have actually read a script for the project, and adds that Hunnam is a bit of a question mark due to both his Pacific Rim 2 and King Arthur commitments. That said, apparently Silver Pictures has already started commissioning concept art of Hunnam as Snake Plissken that could potentially be shown at the American Film Market later this year. Again, this is all just a rumor for now.
If all goes according to plan, it's been said that the Escape From New York remake could actually be a full trilogy of films, and the new rumor report suggests that part of the story will involve more of an origin for Snake Plissken.What's more, he may be joined by an ensemble behind the walls of New York City in his mission to find the president. This team will include a wartime journalist and criminal named Mina; a schizophrenic travel guide named Cabbie; a member of the President's security detail named Gareth; and Snake's former partner in crime, known as The Brain.
I'm still not sure I see the point in actually remaking Escape From New York, regardless of what direction they go with it, but what do you think of these three potential stars? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
