Hollywood continues its remake fever by deciding to produce a new film based on John Carpenter’s 1981 action film, Escape from New York. Joel Silver will be producing the film, and while the director for the film has yet to be chosen, they may be closer to choosing their leading man. Kurt Russell made the role of Snake Plissken an icon, but it’s extremely unlikely that he will be back to reprise his role, since the proposed project will be a prequel that will work as an origin story for Snake.
Jason Statham
An unnamed Hollywood source has claimed that there are two men in the running for the role of the younger Snake Plissken: Tom Hardy and Jason Statham. Here’s a quote from this unnamed insider, courtesy of Dread Central.
“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.”
Tom Hardy in “Warrior”
On the other hand, there’s also Tom Hardy.
“Tom was immense in The Dark Knight Rises and deserves to get a break in a top role. This could put him firmly [on] the A list.”
I hate most remakes and other “cash in” attempts as a general rule, but I’m particularly peeved about this one. I love the original Escape from New York, mainly because I have a whole truck’s worth of respect for Kurt Russell, and Plissken is his signature role. Back in 2007, when the studio first tried to get the remake going, they cast Gerard Butler for the role. Russell expressed disappointment. Here’s his quote, courtesy of Screen Rant.
“When I was told [Butler had been cast], my initial reaction was, ‘Oh, man.’ […] I do think [Snake Plissken] was quintessentially one thing – and that’s American.”
Russell as Plissken in the original “Escape from New York.”
While I don’t necessarily have a problem with British stars playing American icons – like Henry Cavill and Christian Bale playing Superman and Batman respectively – Russell does have a point. At his core, Snake is an old-school patriot who was betrayed by the country he fought for, and actively hates the tyrannical and dsytopic nation it became.
If it has to be between these two guys, then I’m rooting for Hardy. I’m a fan of Hardy’s work, and out of respect for Russell, I’d rather have a truly badass actor in the role, instead of some emotionless British killing machine like Statham. Besides, between the two, Hardy looks the most like a younger Russell, despite the heavy tattoos on the arms.
What do you think of these two men playing Snake Plissken? Would you rather see an American representing as the one-eyed badass? Why don’t you just tell us what you think in the comments below?
Source: Dread Central
i would love to see Tom Hardy as
Snake Plissken…. No question about it….
i think jason statham is the better man for the job. not tom hardy hes to young and dont have the look ,if you want the movie to go over you'll let jason statham have the role thumbs up a better actor
jason statham is without the best man for the job to play snake plissken.if hollywood want;s the film to go over they will let statham play the role