If you read the headline and had a heart attack at the idea of Simon West and Jason Statham remaking Michael Mann’s classic Heat, don’t worry, this is a new version of a 1987 movie that happens to have the same name. Statham signed on to star in February, but now Variety reports that he’s set to reteam with Expendables 2 and The Mechanic director Simon West, who will helm the film.
The original Heat, released in 1987, starred Burt Reynolds as an enforcer who takes on protection jobs to support his burgeoning gambling addiction. The plot thickens when his friend is badly beaten by the mob, and he vows to take on the mafia organisation.
William Goldman, who wrote the novel and the screenplay adaptation for the original thriller, is on board to pen the remake. Jason Statham is also attached as a producer. with filming set to begin in February.