20th Century Studios’ plans to reboot “Escape from New York” have hit a snag. Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, collectively known as Radio Silence, have announced that they are no longer directing the project.
In an interview with ComicBook.com while promoting their latest film, “Abigail,” the duo confirmed their departure from the “Escape from New York” reboot. Gillett explained that despite attempts to get the project off the ground, it’s been hindered by complex rights issues. While there’s still interest in having Radio Silence return to the project, they are currently not officially attached.
The original film, released in 1981, starred Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken, a criminal tasked with rescuing the President from a walled-off Manhattan. It was both a critical and commercial success, spawning a sequel in 1996, though the follow-up failed to replicate the first film’s impact.
“Escape from New York” has been in development since 2015, with various filmmakers attached at different points. Radio Silence joined the project in 2022, but their involvement has now come to an end.
Radio Silence, known for their work in the horror genre with films like “Ready or Not” and the “Scream” franchise, had high hopes for their latest project, “Abigail.” Unfortunately, despite positive reviews, the film underperformed at the box office, casting doubt on potential sequels.
As for “Escape from New York,” its fate remains uncertain as the search for a new director continues. Until then, fans can revisit the original film, currently available for streaming on Freevee.
