Merrick here...


Dan Bradley's remake of RED DAWN rolls next month; final casting is underway and some new additions have just been announced. Interestingly, all of these folks are taking on roles that existed in John Milius' 1984 original.

Josh Hutcherson (ZATHURA and JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH) will take the role originated by C. Thomas Howell. Leah Thompson's character will be played by Isabel Lucas (she was the horny Decepticon mega babe with the nimble tongue in REVENGE OF THE FALLEN). Brad Savage's role will now be picked up by Edwin Hodge, and Connor Cruise (son of Tom) will take on a part played by Darren Dalton back in 1984.

You can find a nifty photo gallery/comparison thingie over at EW by clicking HERE.

The original film is currently showing on MGM HD. As the title's not available on Blu-Ray yet, this might be a fun way for you to check it out if the network's available in your area. Looks pretty nice in HD.

Still not sure why this is being remade, though (which is, as you know, my reaction to about 99.5 percent of all remakes) - but Bradley's work as stunt god/2nd Unit Director on many other project suggests he might come up with something interesting here, so I'm curious to see what kind of movie he'll make. I have a hunch it may be better than expected. We'll see...