Zack Snyder has shared the first plot details for his Escape from New York remake, which will set the story in 1997 but view that future through the perspective of 1981.
The director described the film in a conversation with the Happy Sad Confused podcast, excerpts of which were reported by IGN and Bloody Disgusting. Snyder also suggested that he may already have an actor in mind for Snake Plissken, although he is not naming anyone yet.
Escape from New York remake will revisit 1981
Snyder said the remake will be set in the original film’s imagined 1997, but from the viewpoint of the year in which John Carpenter’s film was released. He placed the central conflict on July 9, 1981 — the original film’s release date — during a war between the United States Police Force and criminal elements.
“The movie’s going to be set in ’97, from the perspective of 1981.”
Zack Snyder
That framing gives the Escape from New York remake a period-specific lens rather than updating the story to the present day. Snyder said the rest is “pretty much Escape from New York”, while describing the original’s mix of satire, camp and political commentary as still current.
Who will play Snake Plissken?
Snyder confirmed that he may have someone lined up to play Snake, but declined to say whether the actor has worked with him before. He added that the performer needs to look like Snake, suggesting that the remake will stay close to the character’s established identity rather than recast him as a completely different type of action hero.
The original 1981 film starred Kurt Russell as Snake, a former soldier sent into a prison-city Manhattan to rescue the US president. The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that Snyder is writing and directing the remake, with StudioCanal and The Picture Company behind the project. Tbreak’s earlier report on the remake covers that announcement and its theatrical plans.
There is no release date or confirmed cast for the new film yet. For now, the project has a setting, a date written into its premise and one director who appears keen to keep Snake recognisable.
What is the Escape from New York remake about?
Zack Snyder’s remake will revisit the same core property, with the story set in the original film’s imagined 1997 but viewed from the perspective of 1981.
Who will play Snake Plissken in the remake?
No actor has been confirmed. Snyder said he may already have someone in mind but would not name the person.
When will Zack Snyder’s Escape from New York remake be released?
The film does not have a confirmed release date yet.
