Given the sweeping critic and fan acclaim for Welsh director Gareth Evans‘ breakthrough actioner, The Raid: Redemption, it was more than perceivable that the American remake rights were going to get snapped up in a heartbeat. With the world already giddy with excitement as the original’s follow-up, The Raid 2: Berandal is on the verge of a theatrical launch, production of the Screen Gems snagged English-language version is all falling into place.
Director Patrick Hughes, currently helming The Expendables 3 and responsible for the brilliant slasher/western crossbreed Red Hill, has been confirmed to direct The Raid: Redemption revamp working with a script provided by Brad Ingelsby (Out of the Furnace). Something that maintains our expectations high for this remake is the simple fact that Evans is attached as Exec. Producer, bringing along with him the fight choreographers from the original film to provide their unique punch.
Whilst most American remakes don’t get received with particularly open arms, it will be interesting to see how this new project unfolds. At the end of the day, what action fanatics are after are the brutal action scenes that Evans provided in the original The Raid and previous film, Merantau. Given the inclusion of Evans and his team of choreographers, it’s certainly something we aren‘t writing off as a bad idea.
The Raid 2: Berandal hits UK cinemas on April 11, 2014.
