Gerard Butler Walks Away From Escape From New York Remake
It’s not looking too good for New Line’s Escape From New York remake. First director Len Wiseman left the project, only to be replaced by oh-so-average director Brett Ratner. Then, we told that Ratner denied being involved with the project. New Line’s bad luck doesn’t stop there. Now it seems star Gerard Butler can’t escape fast enough, leaving the project due to ‘creative differences’.
New Line have enlisted Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines scribe Jonathan Mostow in to rewrite with an option to direct. Mostow’s filmography includes Breakdown and U-571. He was recently attached to write and direct the Disney remake of Swiss Family Robinson, a big screen adaptation of the comic book Sub-Mariner, and Real Steel, a robot boxing drama set in the future - busy boy!
I don’t think losing Gerard Butler is a great loss, they need to cast an actor who can fill Kurt Russels shoes. Although I love Butler, I don’t think he could do that.
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I must disagree with you on you closing comment. Gerry could more that fill those shoes. I have never seen an actor that can transform himself into any character more than Gerry Butler. I will admit that I am not sorry to see him walk from this film. There was too much controversy tied to it from the get to. With Kurts childish outbreak to losing their director and taking on a so so one to replace Len Wiseman… walking away is a smart move.
Hmmmmm…I couldn’t disagree more! The movie is a classic and if there’s any Actor out there that would have had a shot at making it a sucess all over again - it would have been Gerard.
I beg your pardon. Gerry Butler would have been awesome as Snake. I agree with Lisa as there is som much controversy with the film–the directors walking away and Kurt Russell being a sore loser with someone elses doing the role. He is just jealous that Gerry is an awesome actor and Kurt is no popular anymore and is too old to do his own stunts. As a fan of Gerry Butler I am here to say that what ever Gerry does he is going to be brillant and awesome!! The naysayers can go to H…
You said it all Lisa!
I agree with Lisa…Gerry Butler could definitely have done the role justice. I too am happy that he’s walked away from the project - I’ve never been crazy about EFNY or EFLA … and Gerry is better than that, he’s got so many projects on the go and his star just keeps climbing and climbing - good on you Gerry!
Not only would he have been great… He would have been a box office hit! Clearly the writer (Lucy?) hasn’t experienced Gerry’s talent. He is a superb screen actor and is getting better and better. Time will tell them all what we, apparently already know!!! Great comments Lisa, Linda, Chris, Carole and Joanne! Thank goodness he’s busy with all his other movies he’s working on… December will be awesome and he’s going to knock their socks off in 2008–GO GERRY!!
Gerry would have been great in EFNY or anything he chooses to work on, but I am glad to see he’s being more selective in his choices. As was stated before, he’s got so many projects now, that he can afford to make better choices. Congrats to Gerry!
He can’t fill Kurt’s shoes? Why are comments like that made? Why can’t the article end on a respectful note. I have enjoyed many of Kurt Russell’s movies, I have enjoyed many of Gerry’s movies. I think they are both good actors — just because they are having differences doesn’t mean that people should offend either one. If Kurt feels that Gerry is not up to the role, that his loss. Gerry will be better off for it, when God closes one door, he opens a window.
I absolutely agree with you Esther, I would, however, like to think that Mr. Russell’s comment wasn’t a reflection on Gerry so much as it was in the character being an American, which by the way, Gerry can pull off very well (Shattered). At least I would like to believe that. Gerry is a very intelligent man and I’ll bet his decision will prove, as you said, to lead through another door and take down a better path. Clearly this writer should have done more research before putting her foot in her mouth–or wait, an entire shoe store in her mouth!
Yes, another Gerard Butler fan writing to disagree with your last comment. Not only would he have been a great Snake, Gerard is the best actor the public has seen in decades. Escape was a B movie, and the only reason I am disappointed in Gerard dropping out is because I wanted to see poor ole Kurt Russell eat his words
Take some time to have a Gerry-fest and watch his other movies, including Dear Frankie and Jury. The Man owns the screen!!!!
Further to Susan’s comments about a Gerry-fest (I’ve had many)…another film you should include is One More Kiss - he’s fantastic in it…and if you can take a look at the short film Please…WOW…Gerry’s in a calibre all of his own - there truly is no other actor out there like him.
Gerry can do anything !!!!!!!!