This just in from the inbox from Vertigo. The original flick was quite decent so it’s going to be interesting to see what the remake will be like. Not sure though how many have even seen the original 1996 movie, so that might stand even more to the remake! Anyway, here’s the press release
Vertigo Films and Embargo Films are delighted to announce that principal photography will commence on the highly anticipated English language remake of Nicolas Winding Refn’s film PUSHER, on May 8th, 2011. Directed by LUIS PRIETO, lead cast include international super model and actress AGYNESS DEYN; Brit superstar, RICHARD COYLE (W.E./ Prince of Persia); BRONSON WEBB (The Tudors/Robin Hood/Dead Man Running) and PAUL KAYE (It’s All Gone Pete Tong/Match Point). NICOLAS WINDING REFN takes on the role of Executive Producer, with Rupert Preston from Vertigo Films and Chris Simon and Felix Vossen from Embargo Films producing. International Sales are handled by Gaumont International.
As edgy and explosive as Nicolas Winding Refn’s 1996 cult classic, this English language remake tells the story of a week in the life of FRANK, a big time drug pusher in London. Frank’s life is a fun-filled rollercoaster of a ride that soon spins out of control. Friendships start to vanish, there is no longer room for love within his life, and violence takes over. Danger and chaos are all around and he becomes a man trapped in his own world. Eventually Frank is left with no one to turn to and nowhere to go, becoming a man paralysed with the fear of knowing there is no way of preventing his inevitable fate. Fast-paced, visually striking, witty and with some of acting’s finest talents, Pusher will have you gripped from beginning to end.
Executive Producer, Nicolas Winding Refn, commented: “Pusher was the film that launched my career and to have Luis Prieto direct the remake in London will be an exciting venture. It’s a classic tale with strong characters and has an engaging narrative. To see my characters, Frank and Tony in London, one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world, is an opportunity not to be missed.
I have worked with Rupert Preston, partner of Vertigo Films, in a number of capacities. Not only is he the UK distributer of all my films including the Pusher Trilogy, he also produced my film BRONSON. With him, nothing can go wrong. Together, Rupert Preston and I have
been known to take creative risks, push projects to new platforms and deliver outstanding performances.
Vertigo Films is a great team. Working with them again will continue our relationship. A remake of PUSHER in London promises to be a powerful project that will excite the world. This will not let you down.”
