Jaume Collet-Serra is gearing up to helm a reboot of the iconic 1993 action thriller Cliffhanger, following his most recent theatrical release, The Woman in the Yard. Despite the unfavorable reception of his horror film, which critiques have not looked kindly upon, Collet-Serra’s experience in action-oriented projects offers a promising outlook for the upcoming remake.
The Woman in the Yard has garnered only a 43% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its struggle to resonate with audiences. Many critics argue that the film fails to deliver genuine horror, even with its compelling concepts. In contrast, Collet-Serra has established himself as a formidable figure in the action thriller genre, which should inspire confidence for fans anticipating the Cliffhanger reboot.
Collet-Serra’s Cliffhanger Reboot: What to Expect
Cast and Character Dynamics in the Reboot
In this reboot, Collet-Serra steps into his 13th directing role, reinventing Cliffhanger with fresh narratives rather than a straightforward sequel. Initially conceived as a continuation of the original, the project has transformed significantly, not featuring Sylvester Stallone’s character, Gabe Walker.
The cast for this reboot is already shaping up, featuring Lily James as Naomi Cooper and Pierce Brosnan portraying Ray, Naomi’s father. The intention to introduce wholly new characters suggests that the film will explore a unique storyline, markedly distinct from the original.
Additionally, the screenplay has been crafted by Ana Lily Amirpour, renowned for critically acclaimed works such as A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night and Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon. Given her successful track record, this collaboration promises to elevate the film’s potential to garner positive critical reception.
Collet-Serra’s Strength in Action Films
The Impact of Carry-On on Expectations
Before diving into The Woman in the Yard, it might be beneficial to revisit Jaume Collet-Serra’s previous works to gauge what he might bring to the table with Cliffhanger. While his early career was rooted in the horror genre—directing films like House of Wax and Orphan—he has found greater acclaim in action-adventure films since the release of the 2011 thriller Unknown.
His 2024 Netflix blockbuster Carry-On stands as a reference for what to expect from Cliffhanger. This action thriller, which follows a disillusioned airport security officer, shares thematic similarities with the struggles faced by Stallone’s character. Carry-On emerged as one of Netflix’s standout successes, receiving favorable reviews for its thrilling and engaging content, heightening expectations for the upcoming reboot.
Optimism for the Upcoming Cliffhanger Remake
Contrasting Visions for Collet-Serra’s Projects
The critical feedback surrounding The Woman in the Yard is not likely to overshadow the potential of the Cliffhanger reboot. These two projects are strikingly distinct, with the original Cliffhanger poised to deliver a high-octane adventure far removed from the minimalistic horror approach of its predecessor.
Consequently, factoring in The Woman in the Yard‘s reception shouldn’t cloud expectations for Cliffhanger. In fact, Carry-On serves as a much more fitting benchmark, especially considering Collet-Serra’s commendable execution of action-packed narratives. Given this trajectory, the Cliffhanger reboot might not only meet but possibly exceed the legacy of the original, reshaping how audiences perceive this classic tale.