Zack Snyder, the filmmaker behind Man of Steel and 300, has reportedly committed to writing and directing a remake of Escape from New York.
The Hollywood Reporter broke news of the reimagining of John Carpenter’s influential dystopian action film today. According to its sources, the project is being assembled with theatrical release as the end goal. The remake appears to be in early development, with the site reporting it will be “taken out to market” in the coming weeks. How far Snyder has progressed with the script remains unknown. Andrew Rona and Alex Heineman will produce through their overall deal with IP holder StudioCanal. Snyder, Deborah Snyder, and Wesley Coller of The Stone Quarry will also produce, while Carpenter will serve as executive producer.
The original Escape from New York debuted in 1981, introducing audiences to eyepatch-wearing action anti-hero Snake Plissken, played by Kurt Russell. Carpenter and Russell reunited for a sequel, Escape from L.A., in 1996, but the franchise has largely stayed dormant since then. Even with minimal activity since the ’90s, the Escape from New York brand has endured into 2026 as a cult-classic ’80s property, bolstered in part by its clear influence on Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid series. This lasting appeal has kept a remake in some stage of development dating back to the 2000s. Nothing has ever materialized despite periodic rumors about potential actors to play Snake Plissken. Russell himself questioned the point of a remake back in 2015. The project began gaining real traction when reports of Snake Plissken’s return surfaced in 2022. The Hollywood Reporter subsequently noted in April of this year that StudioCanal was pushing forward at full speed.
Snyder coming aboard as both writer and director represents the most significant advancement the Escape from New York remake has achieved in roughly ten years. Plot specifics are still under wraps for now, but sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the architect of the Snyderverse “aims to make a more down and dirty movie” featuring “plenty” of practical effects. While Snyder focuses on this dystopian vision, other major directors are also making waves in the industry. For instance, Sam Raimi is set to helm a Magic remake, with a script by the Send Help writers. Additionally, after passing on the Insomnia role, Nicolas Cage stated that Christopher Nolan won’t “Call Me Back.” These developments highlight a busy period for Hollywood remakes and reimaginings.
Whenever Escape from New York resurfaces, do not count on Wyatt Russell, the actor son of Kurt Russell, to take over as Snake Plissken.
