Zack Snyder reveals first plot details for Escape from New York remake
In brief
- Zack Snyder shared the first plot details for his Escape from New York remake at TIFF. The film is set in 1997 but told from 1981.
According to Snyder, the film is set in 1997, but the story is told from 1981. He tied that setup to the war between the American police and criminal elements on July 9, 1981, the same date as the original film’s theatrical release.
Snyder also said he may already have someone in mind for Snake Plissken. The report adds that Jeffrey Dean Morgan has been lobbying Snyder for a role, though nothing has been officially cast.
What happened
Zack Snyder spoke with Josh Horowitz at TIFF about his current projects, including The Last Photograph and the Escape from New York remake. In that conversation, he gave the first clear outline of how he wants to structure the new version.
The film is reportedly set in 1997, but the story is told from 1981. Snyder said the war between the American police and criminal elements takes place on July 9, 1981, which is also the release date of the original 1981 film.
Snyder also said he may already have someone lined up for Snake Plissken, though he did not name anyone. The report also says Jeffrey Dean Morgan has asked Snyder for a role in the project, but that is not official casting.
The remake is still described as a project in development. There is no confirmed production date or full cast list yet.
Timeline
June — According to the report, Zack Snyder signed on to write and direct the long-running Escape from New York remake.
Toronto International Film Festival — Snyder discusses the project with Josh Horowitz while promoting The Last Photograph at TIFF.
July 9, 1981 — Snyder links the remake’s fictional war to this date, which is also the original film’s release date.
1997 — Snyder says the remake takes place in this year.
Background
Escape from New York is John Carpenter’s cult 1981 film, starring Snake Plissken. Snyder is taking a different narrative approach for his remake: the story is set in 1997, but, by his explanation, framed from 1981.
The source does not name a confirmed actor for Snake Plissken. Jeffrey Dean Morgan is only mentioned as someone interested in a role, not as a confirmed cast member.
Sources
- IGN: “First Plot Details for Zack Snyder’s Escape from New York Remake”
- Josh Horowitz / Happy Sad Confused on YouTube: interview with Zack Snyder about The Last Photograph, 300, Justice League and Escape from New York