Zack Snyder embarks on a remake of New York 1997

Hollywood has been trying to revive John Carpenter’s cult classic for years. This time, the project finally seems to be on track: Zack Snyder has just been announced as writing and directing a new version.

A new Snake Plissken in the ravaged Big Apple?

Science fiction fans will react to the news: according to The Hollywood Reporterdirector Zack Snyder will stage a reinvention of New York 1997 (Escape from New York), the cult film directed by John Carpenter in 1981.

At the time, Kurt Russell played the unforgettable Snake Plissken in a dystopian future where Manhattan had been transformed into a giant high-security prison. When Air Force One crashes on the island and the President of the United States is taken hostage by inmates, the government has no choice but to call upon Snake, a former soldier turned criminal, in exchange for his freedom.

For years, Hollywood has been trying to bring the film up to date. Several directors, including Len Wiseman, Robert Rodriguez and Leigh Whannell, were in turn associated with the project without ever succeeding in bringing it to fruition.

This time things seem more serious. The project is being developed by Studiocanal and The Picture Company, with Zack Snyder writing and directing. Given the aura of the filmmaker Army of the Dead, 300 and other Justice Leagueit has a good chance of coming to fruition. Snyder is already announcing on his networks that he is looking for people to carry out the mission.

For the moment, no details have leaked about the plot. In particular, we do not know whether it will be a faithful remake, a modern rereading or a disguised sequel. One thing is certain: Snyder is this time tackling one of the most sacred monuments in Carpenter’s filmography. Enough to arouse as much curiosity as concern among Snake Plissken admirers.