Now this is a great idea.
Ignoring Burt Reynolds’ appearance in the The Longest Yard remake this year, most of the time a remake is done it’s without the aid or assistance of its original cast. Sure, every once in a while they may throw a tribute in, like Charlton Heston appearing as an ape in the Planet of the Apes remake, but most of the time the remake is done, original cast be damned!
That’s a lot easier to do with a two man show, like Sleuth which originally starred Michael Caine and Sir Laurence Olivier. The movie was a captivating duel of wits between the two men, as each attempted to murder or frame their opponent in a battle for the love of a lady they shared. Although three or four characters appear in the movie, it’s only the two actors putting their best against one another. It’s an impressive stage play, and the movie managed to keep from losing the pacing you’d expect from two live actors.
So here’s the catch. According to Film Rot (who is quoting Contact Music) Michael Caine is the one talking about a Sleuth remake. In the original Caine played the younger lover character opposite Olivier’s older husband. Presumably Caine would switch sides and play the older role this time. So who’s Caine talking about taking over the younger role? The new Alfie: Jude Law! Isn’t that brilliant?
Right now the idea is really only talks between Caine and Law, but Caine says "I figured everybody else is remaking my movies. I'll remake one.”. With a rewrite on the script by Harold Pinter and these two actors interested, I’m ready to buy my ticket now.
