| Untitled Cliffhanger film | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Jaume Collet-Serra |
| Story by | Ana Lily Amirpour |
| Based on | Cliffhanger by John Long |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Row K Entertainment |
Release date |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The untitled Cliffhanger film is an upcoming American action thriller film, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and written by Ana Lily Amirpour. A reboot of the 1993 film , it stars Lily James, Pierce Brosnan, Nell Tiger Free, Franz Rogowski, Shubham Saraf, Assaad Bouab, Suzy Bemba, and Bruno Gouery.
In 1994, TriStar Pictures announced plans to develop a sequel to the 1993 film Cliffhanger , titled Cliffhanger 2: The Dam, with Stallone reprising his starring role. The plot revolved around Gabe Walker combating terrorists who took control of the Hoover Dam. The project remained in development hell until 2008, when the project was revived with Stallone's involvement, before once again being shelved. [1] By May 2009, it was announced that reimagining was in development. Produced by Neal H. Moritz the project would be a joint-production between Original Film and StudioCanal. The story would focus around a group of young climbers, and was tentatively scheduled to begin principal photography the following year. Moritz stated that his intent is to adapt the story in a similar manner comparable to J.J. Abrams' work on Star Trek. [2] By May 2014, Joe Gazzam was hired as screenwriter after pitching his approach to the story to Moritz who was impressed. [3] By May 2015, Stallone expressed interest in developing a direct sequel to the original film. [4] In May 2019, the project developed into a female-led adaptation. Ana Lily Amirpour was hired as director, with a new draft of the script written by Sascha Penn. Jason Momoa was in early negotiations to feature in a prominent cameo role; while Mortiz brought on Toby Jaffe, Thorsten Schumacher, and Lars Sylvest as additional producers. The story was described as a survival thriller action movie, with elements of espionage. An official production poster was released for the project's presence at Cannes, with a tentative commencement for principal photography was set for 2020. Moritz stated that there are plans for more than one installment to be made. [5]
In May 2023, it was announced that the project would be redeveloped as a legacy-sequel. Ric Roman Waugh was hired as director (replacing Amirpour), from a new script written by Mark Bianculli. Stallone was slated to reprise his role from the original, in addition to taking on a role as producer. [6] The plot was stated as the continued adventures of climber-turned-rescue ranger Gabriel "Gabe" Walker alongside a supporting cast, and feature the Italian Alps. Additional casting was underway for a supporting cast. Waugh expressed excitement for the challenge of working with Stallone, stating: "Growing up with the biggest action films of the '80s and '90s, ...Cliffhanger was by far one of my favorite spectacles. To be at the helm of the next chapter, ...with the legend himself...is a dream come true. It's going to be a great challenge and blast taking this franchise to new heights, a responsibility I don't take lightly." Moritz, Jaffe, Schumacher, Sylvest, and Braden Aftergood were stated to serve as additional producers. Original Film, Balboa Productions, StudioCanal, Rocket Science Films, Wright Productions & Entertainment, and Front Row Entertainment were named as production studios. The movie had a presence at Cannes, where additional funding and distribution would be decided. [7] [8] [9] In December of the same year, it was announced that Jean-François Richet had replaced Waugh as director; while additional film studios joined the project including FilmFernsehFonds Bayern, Black Magic Films, Supernix, Maze Pictures, and Occupant Entertainment. Philipp Kreuzer and Joe Neurauter additionally were hired as additional producers, while filming was scheduled to commence in the fall of 2024 in Bavaria and Munich. [10] [11]
In October 2024 however, it was reported that Stallone and Roman Waugh were no longer involved with the film, following creative differences. Through a creative overhaul, the project was changed from a direct-sequel to a modern-day reimagining. Jaume Collet-Serra was hired as director, while the script was rewritten and based on a story authored by Ana Lily Amirpour (who had previously been attached as director in 2019). Lily James was cast in the lead role, with Pierce Brosnan, Nell Tiger Free, Franz Rogowski, Shubham Saraf, Assaad Bouab, Suzy Bemba, and Bruno Gouery in supporting roles. Principal photography began on October 31, in Austria. [12]
In September 2025, Row K Entertainment acquired distribution rights in an eight-figure deal, aiming for a 2026 release. [13]