Zack Snyder Set to Remake Kurt Russell’s Iconic Action Movie After 45 Years

The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that filmmaker Zack Snyder is developing a reimagining of the 1981 sci-fi action classic Escape from New York. Sources told THR that the project is currently being put together and is expected to be taken out to market soon. Sources also said the remake is being planned for a theatrical release.

The original film, released in 1981, was directed by John Carpenter and starred Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken, a former U.S. Army Lieutenant and Special Forces operator. The movie follows Snake, who is sent on a dangerous mission to rescue the president from a dystopian Manhattan that has been turned into a massive high-security prison. The movie was a commercial and a critical success. Russell later returned as Snake Plissken in the 1996 sequel, Escape from L.A.

Zack Snyder Eyes a Gritty Escape From New York Remake

Zack Snyder’s remake of Escape From New York is already creating buzz, though details about his version are still under wraps. Sources suggest Snyder wants to deliver a grittier and more grounded take on the sci-fi story, with a strong focus on practical effects and real locations, similar to the style he used in his 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead.

Snyder made his directorial debut with the remake of George A. Romero’s 1978 zombie classic, relying heavily on makeup and practical effects. He later followed a similar approach in Army of the Dead (2021), which he described as a successor to Dawn of the Dead. “90% of our zombies are completely practical,” Snyder told TheFilmJunkee in a 2020 interview.

While Snyder’s full vision for Escape From New York remains unknown, the plan appears to lean toward a rougher and more realistic tone. Given his work on Dawn of the Dead, he could be a strong fit for the remake.

The project has spent years in development, with Len Wiseman, Brett Ratner, Breck Eisner, and Robert Rodriguez previously linked to direct. Snyder will also produce alongside Deborah Snyder and Wesley Coller through Stone Quarry, while original filmmaker John Carpenter joins as executive producer.

Kurt Russell Skeptical About an Escape From New York Remake

Kurt Russell, who played Snake Plissken in the original Escape From New York, has shared a doubtful reaction to the planned remake of the cult sci-fi thriller. Speaking to MovieWeb about Studiocanal’s remake plans, Russell admitted that remakes do not really interest him.

They’ve talked about this ever since John and I did that movie, and Snake’s a great character. I always think that remakes in general are not something that excites me very much.

Russell also explained that revisiting older films is often more difficult than people expect. “A lot of the things that I’ve done in my life, they’ve always talked about making sequels or redos on them, and they find out when they get close to doing it, it’s a little tougher than you think,” he added.

Even so, Russell wished the filmmakers good luck with the project. It now remains to be seen how Zack Snyder’s vision for the film will turn out and how audiences will respond to it.

What are your thoughts on Snyder working on a remake of Escape from New York? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Escape from New York (1981) is available to rent on Prime Video.