Lily James has revealed that the upcoming reboot of *Cliffhanger* offers a “real re-imagining” of the original film, which starred Sylvester Stallone. The new version, set to be released in 2024, features James as Naomi Cooper and promises to deliver a fresh take on the classic 1993 action movie.
In an interview with Screen Rant, the 36-year-old actress emphasized the significant differences between the reboot and its predecessor. “I don’t want to say too much to give it away right now,” she noted, “but I had one of the most thrilling experiences of my life. We shot in the Dolomites for six weeks on the mountains.” James detailed the challenges faced during filming, including multiple shutdowns due to unexpected snowstorms.
The narrative focuses on Naomi and her sister, Sydney, as they navigate a harrowing situation. James expressed her hope that the new film captures the essence of what audiences loved about the original while introducing new elements. “It’s feral, it’s raw. It’s a real re-imagining, and I am producing it too,” she stated.
Collaboration with Iconic Talent
James also shared her excitement about working with director Jaume Collet-Serra and co-star Pierce Brosnan, who plays her mountaineer father, Ray Cooper. “I loved working with Jaume Collet-Serra, who’s directing it. Pierce Brosnan is just a dream, and we’re in the edit phase now, but I’m really, really excited to share this one,” she said.
In preparation for her role, James underwent rigorous training to master rock climbing techniques. “I became utterly obsessed with climbing. Getting physically strong for that was one of the biggest challenges,” she explained. “Getting to really do it was seriously empowering.”
Originally, Stallone was set to reprise his role as ranger Gabriel “Gabe” Walker, but he ultimately departed from the project. Subsequently, the film underwent considerable changes, with James and Brosnan stepping in as the leads. The official synopsis reveals that in this reboot, seasoned mountaineer Ray Cooper and his daughter Sydney run a mountain chalet in the Dolomites. During a weekend trip with a billionaire’s son, they are targeted by a gang of kidnappers. Naomi, haunted by a past climbing accident, witnesses the attack and must escape.
A Thrilling Experience
The cast of *Cliffhanger* also includes Nell Tiger Free, Franz Rogowski, Shubham Saraf, Assaad Bouab, Suzy Bemba, and Bruno Gouery. Collet-Serra emphasized the importance of shooting on location in the Dolomites, stating, “Using large format cameras was imperative for us to show the scope and scale of the story we’re telling. We’re going to bring the audience a truly thrilling and visceral, premium theatrical experience.”
James’s dedication to her role did not go unnoticed. Collet-Serra remarked, “Her dedication has allowed us to capture some incredible shots we couldn’t have achieved otherwise, and the whole crew is blown away by her commitment.” As the release date approaches, audiences can anticipate a new chapter in the *Cliffhanger* saga that aims to blend nostalgia with innovative storytelling.
