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Simon West Now Directing Remake of 'Heat' Starring Jason Statham

by Ben Pearson
November 2, 2012
Source: Variety

We heard that next generation action star Jason Statham was coming on board to star in a remake of the Burt Reynolds film Heat earlier this year, but back then, Scarface director Brian De Palma was set to sit in the director's chair. Looks like that's no longer the case, as Variety reports that Con Air and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider helmer Simon West is now lined up to direct. Legendary screenwriter William Goldman (The Princess Bride, All The President's Men, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) wrote the screenplay for the 1986 film based on his own novel, and strangely he's back to write this new adaptation also. More below!

I spoke with West during press rounds for his remake of The Mechanic (which turned out to be utterly terrible), and he seems like an affable guy who got stuck with some bad material on that particular film. One look at The Expendables 2 and how much more fun that was than the dour original that Stallone directed proves that West is still quite skilled behind the camera, and I'm actually very interested to see how he adapts this screenplay.

The original movie is terrible, an ugly film with almost no redeeming qualities, and it centers on a compulsive gambler who wanders the streets of Vegas doing "security" jobs and ends up taking on the mob when his prostitute friend is treated savagely. Filming for this one starts in February of 2013, so here's hoping West can infuse this story with a bit of life because as awesome as Statham is, sometimes he can be a bit too serious and drain some of the fun out of his material.

Filed under Development, Movie News

From around the web:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7YGEVuJ4mM Carpola

I remember the film being pretty heavy, but I was probably about 11 when I watched it. Re-re-re-makes! They are the greatest thing in the world. I think it shows how incestuous Hollywood is.
Nielsen700

At first I thought you meant Heat from 1995. Thank God you didn't.
bat0u

That title is going to give people heartattacks.....
- http://twitter.com/jclark416 Joshua Clark
  
  Yes, yes it did.
- Kwaz
  
  You have no idea.
- Thexn
  
  I know mine skipped a beat or two in abject terror.
Thexn

What a relief to know they're not taking a whack at hacking out a "new" Hollywood take on Michael Mann's movie from 1995. Some films should never be subjected to the remake mix. The one from 1986 however? Why not. Can't get much worse.
beevis

my god, i nearly had heart failure when i glanced at this - then i realized it wasn't the one with pacino, deniro and kilmer. i nearly threw up at the thought of that.
- http://twitter.com/AkiraMoney Akira Money ♕
  
  You and me both...
Tim

Don't do that please! this is a big big big tragedy! for GOD sake don't do that with fucking Statham....
castingcouch

As many are aware, 1995 Heat is a remake of the 1989 LA Takedown... Can't say I remember seeing that Burt Reynolds film of the same name. Although it's supposedly not as "terrible" as is mentioned.