Remember that “Cliffhanger” sequel I had reported on? Sylvester Stallone was supposed to star in the film, which has just started production, but things have taken a dramatic turn from the package initially announced nearly 18 months ago.
Stallone is no longer set to star in the film, which is now being referred to as a “reboot.” THR is calling it “a creative overhaul” and that Lily James will now be taking on the lead role. Pierce Brosnan will co-star and Jaume Collet-Serra (“Non-Stop”) will direct.
The new script is based on a story by Ana Lily Amirpour (“A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night”). Insiders familiar with the project described it as a father-daughter take on “Die Hard.”
Brosnan will play seasoned mountaineer Ray Cooper, who operates a luxury chalet in the Dolomites with daughter Sydney. During a weekend trip with a billionaire’s son, they are targeted by a gang of kidnappers. Ray’s daughter Naomi (James), still haunted by a past climbing accident, witnesses the attack and escapes. To save her family, she must confront her fears and fight for survival.
Stallone, 78, was supposed to return for the sequel to his 1993 action thriller. Jean-François Richet (“Mesrine”) was the director, based on a script by Mark Bianculli (“Hunters”), but both have been replaced. What happened?
Screen had originally reported that “Cliffhanger 2” received major funding from the Austrian film commission and would be starting production this month. Sly’s name no doubt was a lure, but it’ll be interesting to learn more about the behind the scenes drama that occurred with this one.
The original “Cliffhanger” was pure escapist fare, nothing more and nothing less. John Lithgow stole the show as the villainous Eric Qualen. It would have been fun to see Stallone back for a sequel, but producers seem to have gone in another creative direction.