Zack Snyder’s ‘Escape From New York’ Reveals Snake Plissken Rule with Jeffrey Dean Morgan Interested

After being stuck in development hell for nearly two decades, Zack Snyder’s adaptation of ‘Escape From New York’ has gained unexpected momentum since its announcement in June. This long-awaited remake of John Carpenter’s 1981 cult classic has seen a revolving door of directors and potential stars, including Robert Rodriguez, Len Wiseman, Brett Ratner, and Breck Eisner, with names like Gerard Butler considered for the iconic role originally played by Kurt Russell.

Given this tumultuous history, Snyder’s current progress feels particularly significant. Earlier this year, StudioCanal officially brought him on board to write and direct the film, with Carpenter himself serving as an executive producer, ensuring a connection to the original material rather than a complete reimagining.

Snyder has now provided his clearest insight into the reimagining, sharing a crucial plot detail and a definitive rule regarding the new Snake Plissken’s appearance. In a conversation with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Snyder confirmed that the film will be set in 1997, mirroring the timeline of Carpenter’s original, but told from the perspective of 1981. The conflict between U.S. police forces and criminal elements will kick off on July 9 of that year, coinciding with the original film’s theatrical release.

Snyder expressed that the original film’s tone was a significant draw for him. He described ‘Escape From New York’ as a perfect blend of kitsch and camp, indicating that he intends to preserve the movie’s pulpy, B-movie essence rather than adopting a more serious tone.

One major concern for fans has been whether the new Snake Plissken will keep the character’s signature eye patch. Snyder quickly alleviated that worry, stating that the eye patch is non-negotiable. When Horowitz jokingly pressed him on the matter, Snyder firmly asserted that the new version must look like Snake, or he would walk away from the project.

As for who might don that iconic patch, Snyder was more reserved. When asked if he has an actor in mind, he simply replied, “I may,” without confirming if it’s someone he has previously worked with. This vague response has fueled speculation among fans, who have suggested names like Henry Cavill and Wyatt Russell, while Frank Grillo even offered himself up in the comments of Snyder’s Instagram post.

A name that frequently comes up with substantial backing is Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who has collaborated with Snyder on both ‘Watchmen’ and ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.’ Morgan previously mentioned on an earlier episode of the same podcast that he was actively pursuing the role, clarifying that he was genuinely reaching out to Snyder.

When Horowitz brought this up to Snyder, the director confirmed that Morgan has indeed been in contact, expressing fondness for his former collaborator and calling him the best. However, Snyder stopped short of confirming that Morgan is in serious discussions for the role, leaving the possibility open without making any commitments.

This cautious approach aligns with how Snyder has managed the rollout of this remake, providing just enough information to maintain interest without committing to promises he may not be able to fulfill. It also serves as a reminder that Snyder’s next theatrical release carries significant stakes, especially after his previous film, ‘The Last Photograph,’ premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to a disappointing critical reception, earning a mere 21% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Whether this mixed reception adds pressure to ensure ‘Escape From New York’ succeeds or simply heightens fan curiosity about Snyder’s next move remains to be seen. For now, what’s confirmed is a 1997-set narrative rooted in 1981, an eye patch that is here to stay, and a very eager Jeffrey Dean Morgan waiting for his chance.

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