The Raid - Remake

[OldPangYau]

So, with The Raid 2 slowly (sadly) disappearing from theaters, and on-set reports for Expendables 3 begin popping up, those streams cross to have people start focusing their attention on the (infamous) announcement of a remake of The Raid. EX3 director Patrick Hughes is the one in charge of taking up the daunting task of remaking the film, having this to say, via Joblo.com

It’s a really exciting project. Actually, I had the pleasure of catching up with Gareth [Evans, director of the original film] the other night in L.A., who’s EP [Executive Producer] on it. This one is a little more broader canvas. It’s a very different film, very different style of filmmaking. It centers around a DEA FAST (Foreign-Deployed Advisory and Support Team) Team that was formed during the Bush administration when the crossover between terrorism and the narcotics trade were so closely intertwined that they created a task force – I believe there are six teams that operate – they’re sort of like Navy SEALS but they operate in the world of narcotics. And, these teams work across borders so it centers around a team that goes across the border and, y’know, all hell breaks loose.

One thing that blew me away with THE RAID, along with everyone else, was – you know, what was phenomenal – it wasn’t cut up, y’know. You could clearly tell that there weren’t stunt doubles involved because you weren’t cutting around the action, it was done in “oners” and that comes down to rigorous training and having incredible fight choreography play out. We’re just in the middle of casting right now.

There’s two versions of this remake; one is that we do an expected Hollywood glossover that nowhere near matches the original and then, what my goal is, which is to to elevate the original with the heart and soul and emotional impact of what we bring to it in the story and narrative. They’re my favorite action films, where you can balance the emotion and the action. And also we’re doing some really exciting stuff with the martial arts involved – a crossover of cultures and different styles, whicih is really interesting. I’m really pumped for the project, it’s a great team involved, the producers are excellent, they’re really great guys to work with and, y’know, looking forward to it and we’re looking to shoot later in the year around September.

Full interview, including EX3 info here:

http://www.joblo.com/movie-news/excl...-expendables-3

So, if it starts in September... I'm assuming Sony might be trying to aim for a mid-August release next year, to match the timing of when an Expendables film would normally come out... in other words, another series of action films with large groups of soldiers And I know many are bringing up their torches and pitchforks about this, but I'm still very curious to see how it goes. It seems like the director is really passionate about the project, and knows that he's dealing with a rabid fanbase, and only hopes to have a decent interpretation of the same story.

On that note, it sounds like it'll be taking place in a dilapidated Mexican apartment complex this time if they're "going over the border". No mention of a cast yet, but he dodges questions about confirming either of the Hemsworth brothers or Scott Adkins. I can take Chris Hemsworth seriously in an action film, but Liam just makes me go "meh"... although he did a respectable job in Expendables 2. Then again, he was a sniper, and didn't do any close quarter combat.

Personally, the Rama-based character needs to be someone who has that unassuming almost naïve look, but can switch gears when ready for battle. Trying to think of actors who can pull that off, and Aaron Taylor Johnson (Kick Ass) gives off that vibe. I'd rather take him over Liam Hemsworth. People keep saying Adkins should play this role, but Adkins always looks more natural as a villain... wouldn't mind him taking up the Mad Dog role. Also, Jason Statham is another name thrown around, and I could see him in the more seasoned role of the character based on Jaka. Hey, that means he and Adkins can have a REAL fight, rather than that rushed crap in Expendables 2

Overall, I love the two original films, so any expansion of the franchise catches my attention. Hell, for all we know, this "remake" could actually take place in the same universe... hey, The Office pulled it off when Michael Scott and David Brent met But yeah, I know a lot of people are still pissed about this, but I guess I'm just a pinch more open minded.