Director Digs Timothy Olyphant for Snake Plissken

I take you back to April of this year, and my reaction to hearing the news that Breck Eisner would direct the remake of Escape from New York: "But who will put on Kurt Russell's eyepatch? When I read that Eisner was directing, I immediately leaped to Timothy Olyphant, the lead in The Crazies...As much as I know Gerard Butler has his fans and could do a good job, I'm kind of rooting for Olyphant here." While nothing's official, Movie Web asked Eisner about that very casting opportunity. Actually, the question was posed about Escape from New York and the Jack the Ripper vs. Dracula comic book flick Blood of the Innocent. Who would Eisner like to see him play? "All three, if you ask me." But Plissken seems, at least, a very distinct possibility.

"Creatively, he would be great for it. We have not yet discussed internally within the studio who will play Snake Plissken. There are many factors that go into those discussions. First and foremost, obviously, is the creative one. We can't make the movie unless we get the perfect Snake Plissken, and that's a tall order. There are very few guys that could do it. He would definitely be one of the guys who could. There is no question about that."

While I don't believe the actor needs to meet with John Carpenter's approval, in the contract he signed allowing New Line access to the property, it was mandatory that Plissken always remain "a bad-ass," which is my favorite legal language ever. It is, however, too early to say, but it's not a state job and they don't have to interview a bunch of candidates if Eisner does a good sell job for Olyphant. Which shouldn't be difficult at all.

Comments

[Josh]

Olyphant should be a much bigger star than he currently is.

[chad]

i agree josh but the problem is he picks roles that arent right for him. Hitman, live free or die hard and other movies just isnt him. neither is this, he cant pull off snake, i never played the games but i know little bit about this he wont do a good job. MY favorite role of his is him in "the girl next door" that was a awesome role for sure.absolutely epic role in fact. Hes just not believable as a badass cause his charm is in being kind of funny, but instead he chooses these too serious roles, maybe its good career wise idk but these roles dont really suit him i dont think

[jake]

chad what are you talkin about? this snake is not based off the metal gear solid games. its a remake of an old movie, and i think that he would be a great fit for the movie.

[Charcole]

Not believable as a bad ass?

Watch some Deadwood!

[E]

watch some Justified