14 DAY TRIAL // They often say – movie critics in particular – that Hollywood turns to classic films whenever it lacks inspiration for a new project, and this happens quite often actually. This is why remakes, reboots and sequels are so popular, with many a major movie studio constantly looking for franchises to bring back to life and turn into successful businesses once more. Summit Entertainment has just dug up “Highlander,” which will be remade with the help of director Justin Li, SlashFilm says.
Summit, the same movie studio behind the incredibly successful “Twilight” phenomenon, is looking for a new franchise to reboot and has set its sight on “Highlander.” According to a press statement that began to make the rounds recently, Summit has already tapped big names in the industry for the re-imagination of the classic film, which will start from the mythology of the original and hopefully adapt the story for new audiences – which is to say, reboot the original film.
“Summit Entertainment announced today that it has tapped the filmmaking team behind this spring’s hit film ‘Fast & Furious – director Justin Lin and producer Neal H. Moritz – to direct and produce respectively the studio’s re-imagination of the cult film ‘Highlander.’ Summit’s ‘Highlander’ is being written by ‘Iron Man’ screenwriters Art Marcum and Matt Holloway. Peter Davis, long time producer of ‘Highlander,’ will also produce the film. Summit acquired the rights to remake the cult classic from Davis - Panzer Productions, Inc. in May of 2008.” the press statement reads.
The story of the reboot will also deal with immortals who battle each other for power without us mortals knowing of it, but Summit will presumably add a twist to it to make it successful and interesting for today’s young audience. Impressive special effects will also play an important part in the new “Highlander” film, with several movie insiders saying that this is actually where the big money will go, in post-production.
“Summit’s film will expand on the original ‘Highlander’’s core mythology of immortals battling amongst us, hunting each other through the ages by tapping its newly minted creative team to take its re-imagination to new heights. Plans call for the re-imagination to spur a new franchise for the studio.” the statement further says. Patrick Wachsberger, co-chairman of Summit Entertainment, also promises an interesting adventure with the new “Highlander,” saying, “We are privileged to have this amazing opportunity to reinvent one of the great franchises. Neal and Justin have proven more than once that they can deliver an entertaining and exciting blockbuster.”