Merrick here...
Evidently, the great Jason Statham is remaking - or rather re-adapting - HEAT - the 1986 film which starred Burt Reynolds, which itself was based on a novel.
Given that William Goldman, who scripted the 80s picture as well as the book which inspired it, is returning to pen this new interpretation - sounds like we may get something of a hodge podge this time around...part remake of a film, part re-adaptation of his own novel, all resulting in something familiar but new. Word is the original film version was a bit troubled behind the scenes, thus the end product never quite nailed what The Powers That Be had probably hoped to achieve Perhaps this new version will net better results?
Brian De Palma (SCARFACE, BLOW OUT, THE FURY) will direct this new iteration, which - as mentioned above - will be scripted by William Goldman (THE PRINCESS BRIDE, MARATHON MAN, THE GHOST AND THE DARKNESS) based upon his novel of the same name.
A press release on the project discuses the picture greater detail:
JASON STATHAM TO RETEAM WITH SIERRA / AFFINITY AND STAR IN HEAT
Film To Be Directed By Brian De Palma From A Screenplay By Oscar®-Winning Screenwriter William Goldman
LOS ANGELES, CA February 8, 2012 – Sierra / Affinity announced today that they will commence sales efforts in Berlin on the remake of the 1987 feature film HEAT with Jason Statham set to star and Brian De Palma directing the action film from a script adapted by two-time Oscar® winner William Goldman. Goldman also wrote the original screenplay of the 1987 version of the film which starred Burt Reynolds. Both the modern take as well as the film from the 80’s are based on Goldman’s novel of the same title. Steven Chasman will produce alongside Statham. HEAT will commence principal photography in France in late 2012 or early 2013.
This tightly-wound, fun action-thriller, tells the story of a tough recovering gambling addict (Statham) who makes his living providing protection in the rough edges of the gambling world. Statham's character refuses to resort to gunplay, strictly using hand and edged weapon combat. When a dear friend is brutally beaten by a high-rolling mobster, he helps her get her revenge and he ends up in more trouble than he ever imagined.
Sierra’s Nick Meyer says “We are pleased to once again be working with Jason and Steve on another project which in this case is based on great source material from a rare combination of an acclaimed novelist who is also at the top of his game as a screenwriter. We look forward to bringing this elevated action-thriller from Brian De Palma to distributors around the world. We feel this project has it all—a first rate piece of material, a legendary director and a global action star.”
Later this year Statham will be seen in Sierra / Affinity and Incentive Filmed Entertainment’s highly anticipated release of PARKER which comes to theatres on October 12, 2012. Statham’s other film credits include THE TRANSPORTER series, THE EXPENDABLES, CRANK, THE MECHANIC, and THE BANK JOB.
De Palma’s directing credits include the seminal films MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, THE UNTOUCHABLES, CARLITO'S WAY and SCARFACE.
Chasman's credits include PARKER, THE BANK JOB, and THE TRANSPORTER 1, 2 & 3.
Goldman has written numerous films including those that won the Academy Award® for best screenplay, ALL THE PRESIDENTS MEN and BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, as well as other screenplays for the films MARATHON MAN, DREAMCATCHER and ABSOLUTE POWER among others.
In case anyone's interested, Reynolds' 1986 version of HEAT is currently streaming via Netflix, as is Goldman's MARATHON MAN - one of my favorites. Lest there be confusion, this HEAT has nothing to do with the 1995 Michael Mann film of the same name. Other than, well, sharing its name...
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