Master Filmmakers Brian De Palma And William Goldman Coming Together For... A Jason Statham Movie?

[Brendon Connelly]

The Burt Reynolds movie Heat was adapted by William Goldman from his own novel and, yeah, I've always been quite fond of it. Compared to The Princess Bride, Butch and Sundance, Marathon Man or All The President's Men, it's clearly not Goldman at his best, but it's certainly not a terrible film, despite the troubled production, string of uncredited directors and fiddling with Goldman's work.

Part of the appeal is the manly-man movie star turn of Reynolds as Las Vegas bodyguard, Mex Escalante. It's all so very 1980s, but it's dated in a fascinating way.

And now, for the remake, I'm pleased to see that they've found a very good contemporary analog for Mr. Reynolds to take the role. This time, the lead is going to Jason Statham. His bald head is the 2012 equivalent of Reynolds' 1985 moustache.

Goldman will again write the script - or perhaps use his best draft from the 80s, who would know?

The big difference this time will be sitting in the canvas chair and shouting through a megaphone, as they've hired Brian De Palma to direct.

The film was announced in Berlin this morning. According to the press release, filming should commence late this year or early next, in France. It's not clear what that means for the Vegas setting of Goldman's book and the original film.

Here's the official blurb:

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 characterrefuses 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.

There will be lots of opportunity for Statham to do Statham things, for De Palma to do De Palma things, and there are countless twists and turns in Goldman's story. Can't wait.

[alekesam]

Statham and De Palma? Done deal I'm seein gthis in the theater.

[ahlhelm]

Now I need to go watch the 80s version of this movie because I always like to see the original before I see the remake, and Statham and DePalma is a great combination.

[bottleHeD]

I hope they don't call it Heat though.

Heat = De Niro and Pacino.

[Joe Kalicki]

It seemed like DePalma wasn't ever going to get another job. He was being offered Paranormal Activity movies, for God's sake.

[Grendel]

Yes! I won't wait for the DVD with this one!