British actors Jason Statham and Tom Hardy are rumored to be up for the lead role in the proposed Escape from New York remake.
Although Gerard Butler was once in consideration for the part of Snake Plissken in the flick, Studio Canal’s involvement in the project has reportedly pushed him out of the running. Instead, producers are currently eyeing two British tough guys for the role.
“Jason is the type of actor who has the physical attributes and screen presence to reprise Snake. He has a proven track record as a leading man and would do a great job,” an insider explained to the New York Daily News .
The website is also reporting that The Dark Knight Rises villain Tom Hardy is in the running for the role as well. Studio Canal is hoping to land one or the other before the summer. However, it’s currently unclear when the Escape from New York remake will begin production.
Gerard Butler wasn’t the only actor previously considered for the role of Snake Plissken . Both Timothy Olyphant and Jeremy Renner were rumored to be up for the part.
The original Escape from New York was released in 1981. Halloween director John Carpenter helmed the movie with Kurt Russell in the role of Snake. Although Studio Canal is currently courting British actors, Russell said it’s “really important” that Plissken is American.
“When it comes to Snake, I can tell you one thing … he’s American,” the actor told Empire . “t’s really important that he’s American. There’s a reason why that great fight in the arena [in Escape From New York] is with a baseball bat. That’s American, ok? He knows what he’s doing with that bat in his hand!”
Kurt Russell admitted that he probably wouldn’t return to the franchise in the future.
“I never wanted to do Snake old,” he said. “If you’re going to do him, do him young. He’s one of those guys.”
Tom Hardy already has one remake under his belt. The actor was cast as the iconic Mad Max in director George Miller’s upcoming action flick Mad Max: Fury Road . Statham has been involved with two remakes: F. Gary Gray’s The Italian Job and Simon West’s The Mechanic .
What do you think about the Escape from New York remake? Do you feel Jason Statham and Tom Hardy are right for the role of Snake Plissken?
