Lily James And Pierce Brosnan Take the Lead As Sly Stallone Leaves "Cliffhanger" Sequel Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra

The High-Altitude Classic Returns: Brosnan And James Lead A Reimagined "Cliffhanger" In The Dolomites

 

The iconic high-stakes thriller Cliffhanger is making a comeback with a fresh take led by stars Lily James and Pierce Brosnan, under the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra. Originally launched in 1993 with Sylvester Stallone in the lead and directed by Renny Harlin, Cliffhanger became an action staple for its daring cliffside battles and survivalist tension. Stallone was initially attached to this reboot but ultimately stepped back, opening the door for Brosnan and James to bring new intensity to this reimagined story.

In this updated version, Brosnan plays Ray Cooper, a seasoned mountaineer who operates a luxury chalet in the Dolomites. A peaceful getaway turns perilous when Ray and his daughter Sydney, played by Nell Tiger Free, are targeted by kidnappers during a trip with a billionaire’s son. The film’s central heroine, Naomi (played by Lily James), must push through past trauma and face her fears head-on to save her family. After surviving a climbing accident years earlier, Naomi now has to use her mountaineering skills to outwit the gang threatening her loved ones—a survival story that promises breathtaking scenes of courage and resilience.

James, known for her diverse roles in Pursuit of Love and Pam & Tommy, shared her excitement about taking on this physically demanding part. “The process of shooting Cliffhanger has been exhilarating,” she said. “I love stepping into these shoes and learning from the climbing community. Jaume is a force, and our fearless cast and crew are unparalleled in their dedication.” With Ana Lily Amirpour contributing to the story, the script offers psychological depth that builds on the original’s thrill factor, delivering tension and suspense at every turn.

Though Stallone’s departure from the project initially surprised fans, the newly assembled team has promised to bring a modern edge to the film. Collet-Serra, whose directorial style shines in projects like The Shallows and Jungle Cruise, brings a mix of raw intensity and visual storytelling to the Cliffhanger reboot, enhancing its appeal for today’s audiences.

Produced by Rocket Science with partners Thank You Pictures and Supernix, Cliffhanger boasts an international cast and production team. Joe Neurauter, Lars Sylvest, and Thorsten Schumacher lead the production team, with support from Neal Moritz and Toby Jaffe. Key players like Collet-Serra and Amirpour join as executive producers, backed by notable entities in film finance and distribution, including Level Field Media Finance and Front Row Entertainment.

The film’s location in the Dolomites adds authenticity to the story’s high-stakes setting, allowing for breathtaking visuals and intense physical challenges for the cast. Alongside Brosnan and James, notable actors like Franz Rogowski, Shubham Saraf, Assaad Bouab, Suzy Bemba, and Bruno Gouery contribute to a rich ensemble that enhances the film’s appeal to global audiences.

As fans eagerly await the release, Cliffhanger promises to pay homage to the original film’s adrenaline-charged spirit while pushing new narrative boundaries. Rocket Science is managing international sales, while CAA Media Finance oversees North American and Chinese territories, aiming for a theatrical release that will bring this action-packed adventure to audiences worldwide.

With Jaume Collet-Serra’s expert direction, an exciting cast, and stunning Dolomite backdrops, this Cliffhanger reboot is primed to reignite the thrill of high-altitude survival for a new generation. As James and Brosnan lead this bold retelling, Cliffhanger aims to be an unforgettable cinematic experience that goes beyond just an action movie.

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Source: Deadline

Photo Credit: TriStar Pictures

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