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Charlie Hunnam as Snake Plissken in 'Escape from New York' Remake?
by Ethan Anderton
September 1, 2014
Source: Starlog
A remake of John Carpenter's revered action thriller Escape from New York has been gestating for years, but no one seems to be able to get it off the ground. The most recent attempt in the works was reported about a year and a half ago with Studio Canal teaming with super producer Joel Silver (The Matrix, Lethal Weapon) and his Silver Pictures banner to start from scratch on the project. Now it sounds like they're making some progress as a rumor from Starlog (via Badass Digest) has surfaced saying that Pacific Rim and recently crowned King Arthur star Charlie Hunnam is the top contender to play Snake Plissken. Read on!
However, he's not the only actor in the running as The Guest star Dan Stevens and former "The Walking Dead" cast member Jon Bernthal could also end up with an offer. Reportedly none of these three have read for the film, which seems a little odd, but Silver Pictures is looking to lock down one of them very soon. Honestly, Hunnam seems like the wrong choice for this film, despite his gruff demeanor on "Sons of Anarchy." My pick would be Dan Stevens, based solely on his work in The Guest, but that's just me. And it sounds like the story will be a little different, with a bit of an ensemble nature.
Rather than just focusing on Snake Plissken venturing through the prison that is New York, this time the story sees Plissken teaming with "a rogues gallery of criminals who look to leave the island-turned-prison in exchange for the rescue of the captured U.S. President.” And here's what Starlog notes about the team surrounding Plissken:
“Plissken’s team consists of Mina, a warzone journalist framed for murder and living in the shadows of New York as a scavenger; Cabbie, a schizophrenic travel guide who serves as comic relief; Gareth, the last surviving member of the President’s security detail who harbors a dangerous secret; and The Brain, Plissken’s former partner-in-crime who left him to die after a botched robbery.”
Sounds like the kind of ensemble cast we saw in Predators, and while a colorful cast of characters will help get more people who don't know who Charlie Hunnam (or the other two actors) in theaters, it could potentially take away from the bad ass nature of Snake Plissken. Anyway, these choices aren't too bad, but consider this a rumor for now until some more official news surfaces. At the very least, this sounds better than having Gerard Butler or Jeremy Renner lead the remake. Now we just hope the script has been revamped enough to make this remake work. Thoughts?
34 Comments
1
Oh shit, this guy might work for this role. But it is a fail already as he is not Kurt Russel. Its no one fault, No one is Kurt Russel, except Kurt Russel. Also, Snake works alone, whats with all the extras?
Brian Sleider on Sep 1, 2014
2
Agreed - fail. Aside from Russel... the thought of attempting to fill shoes of Harry Dean Stanton & Ernest Borgnine with these kids... Ya know though, it'll make money. Simple name recognition. I'm noticing that with every re-make these days. They may be horrible films (some not,) but people go and see them simply because of name recognition. Though I won't go to the theater for most of them, I do end up watching out of sheer curiosity at some point.
avconsumer2 on Sep 1, 2014
3
Yeh this will be a redboxer for me for sure.
Brian Sleider on Sep 1, 2014
4
Totally agree with both of you.The's just no need,at all,for this.
Maxim Karagogov on Sep 1, 2014
5
Nothing makes this worth interest unless Carpenter and Russell team up again, and who could deny that even with Russell's age there's at least 2-3 movies that could come from this. I think its a great boost in resurfacing Russell's acting career as a solid action star. I know after all these years he would surely bring a much more refined and deeper character to the screen. Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken is one of those purely iconic stars among the post-apocalyptic hero movie genre. Wouldn't it be cool if Snake Plissken, Riddick and Mad Max were on the same timeline and teamed up to form a sick squad for the comic book world?... Big "Son's" Fan but definitely not Hunnam, or the other 2 for that matter. If Russell doesn't work we definitely need better choices.
DiaNoche on Dec 2, 2014
6
amen. the whole 'rogues gallery' team idea lacks confidence, tossed in to try and cover all bases, or perhaps a studio concerned that there isn't anyone else out there who can do what Kurt Russell did in the role. which there probably isn't. Hauk: Remember, once you're inside you're on your own. Snake: Oh, you mean I can't count on you? Hauk: No. Snake: Good!
son_et_lumiere on Sep 1, 2014
7
If it happens he is going to rock it. Hunnam plays a great tough guy.
DAVIDPD on Sep 1, 2014
8
I agree this is a role suited for him.
Brian Sleider on Sep 1, 2014
9
I would much prefer a sequel with Kurt Russell. John Carpenter presents Escape from Las Vegas sounds about right to me. If they insist on doing this and giving Snake a crew at least make it his old gang with the Brain, Texas Mike O'Shea & Carjack Malone.
Astroboy3000 on Sep 1, 2014
10
True, I think Russell and a sequel would be better, but the chances of this happening are slim to none. I have faith in Hunnam making a this role his and rocking it. Just like Hardy is doing with MAD MAX FURY ROAD.
DAVIDPD on Sep 1, 2014
11
Great choice!
Rock n Rollllll on Sep 1, 2014
12
I rather liked Hunnam in Pacific Rim, cool to see him potentially grabbing roles like King Arthur and Snake Plissken. He could be a superstar by the time Pacific Rim 2 eventually comes out.
Chris Groves on Sep 1, 2014
13
Yes, Chris. You get Hunnam. He (like everyone) just needs the vehicle. I can't wait to see his star rise.
DAVIDPD on Sep 1, 2014
14
Oh Hell Yes. He won't have to play it too much unlike Jacks Teller to make it work.
DAVIDPD on Sep 1, 2014
15
No. No No. Please no. He's awesome as Jax, but that's it. He was terrible in Pacific Rim, and all he would play is Jax with an eyepatch. Fucking remakes. Nevermind, do what you want. Unless its with Sir Russell, I won't watch it anyway.
grimjob on Sep 1, 2014
16
I really think he could make this his own. I know we are so attached to Russell as Snake, but I really think Hunnam has a good chance of making this awesome.
DAVIDPD on Sep 2, 2014
17
But he is Not Mr.Russel. And that is a big problem.
Brian Sleider on Sep 2, 2014
18
not really charlies better
chris9465 on Sep 10, 2014
19
HAHAHA, no. This kid is a one trick pony. Any attempt to be more than the thug he plays in Sons is bad, because kid is a character actor.
Brian Sleider on Sep 10, 2014
20
I just don't understand the need for remakes. Very seldom are they worth a damn. If Carpenter was making a sequel with Russell, yes please. But this? No Russell, no Stanton. No thanks. But don't let me bring down your excitement, I hope they don't soil this franchise like they have with others.
grimjob on Sep 2, 2014
21
Put Russell in ... why remake they never made the 3rd and final film .... Carpenter step and fight for whats yours
shane willett on Sep 2, 2014
22
i liked pacific rim...thought charlie rocked it.....guess thats why we are getting part 2
chris9465 on Sep 10, 2014
23
I liked it too, just couldn't buy into his character.
grimjob on Sep 10, 2014
24
More remakes...
cobrazombie on Sep 1, 2014
25
Nah.
Xerxexx on Sep 1, 2014
26
I wanted Butler in the role but whatever. Hunnam walks really strange. Anybody else notice that?
SkyNet300 on Sep 1, 2014
27
No i usually don't check out how guys walk, but we know you do !
shane willett on Nov 4, 2014
28
Lockout was basically Escape From Earth, but Guy Pierce is no Snake Plissken. Anyone that watches SOA would see that Charlie is the PERFECT Snake. No one else. Dan is too pretty and Jon, a great zombie-killer, just plain doesn't fit. Can't wait. Kurt should have a cameo.
Friend of Yours, Brain? on Sep 1, 2014
29
I liked Lockout - did you ? Everyone i know hates this movie and can't get past the first 10 mins... I think its fun ..
shane willett on Nov 4, 2014
30
Charlie would make a kick a** Snake Plissken.
flower on Sep 1, 2014
31
why can't they just continue after LA with the still in good shape, funny joker, one liner sayin' Kurt Russell - he still works out, just needs a mullet and eye patch and level pants and ready to shoot Eascape From Earth ... the 3rd film that never happened ..
shane willett on Sep 2, 2014
32
Some of the ol' timers in The Expendables franchise are even older than Russell, so why not?
Morningstar on Oct 30, 2014
33
Not sure why, he's in the new Fast and Furious movie - so why not reprise a role that started a huge fan base, style of movies that set up the visual look of all apocalyptic worlds and even help Hideo Kojima make "Solid Snake" in which Big Boss looks identical to Snake Plisken .... people love kurt russell. Shit at least to a direct sequel to Big Troble in Little China - where the movie ends with the monster in the back of his truck .... HELLO Mr. Carpenter... make a movie !!
shane willett on Nov 4, 2014
34
This movie will be garbage - hasn't been a good re-boot in a long time - why are they still trying ??
shane willett on Nov 4, 2014
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