A new version of Sylvester Stallone‘s beloved action film has finally been scheduled for release. While Stallone has been busy with his TV series, Tulsa King, many of his iconic films have been revived or transformed into remakes, reboots, or biopics, including his celebrated sports film, I Play Rocky.
The action classic Cliffhanger is among those getting a modern makeover. In the reboot, Lily James will take on the role equivalent to Stallone’s character from the original 1993 film. After the acquisition of distribution rights by Row K, it was confirmed that the new Cliffhanger film is set for release on August 28, 2026.
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, known for his recent work on Netflix’s Carry-On, the film features a cast that includes Pierce Brosnan, Nell Tiger Free, and Franz Rogowski. In this updated version, Brosnan and James will depict a father-daughter duo running a high-end chalet in the Dolomites. Their lives take a perilous turn during an outing with a billionaire’s son, leading to their entanglement with a dangerous kidnapping ring. Overwhelmed by guilt from a climbing mishap, James’ character must utilize her climbing expertise to rescue her family.
After the original Cliffhanger garnered $255 million worldwide, there were initial discussions in 1994 about a sequel. Yet, for almost two decades, the project was stuck in limbo until the decision was made to reimagine the film instead. In May 2023, the project gained momentum as a legacy sequel with Stallone potentially involved. When Stallone stepped away, the project was re-envisioned as a contemporary reboot.
Although the film was completed in late 2024, its road to theaters has been gradual, with Row K finally securing the distribution rights in late September of this year. The deal, worth eight figures, promises a significant domestic release across 3,000 screens.
The anticipation for the reboot is substantial, with James calling it a “cool reimagining” that “retains all the thrilling essence of the original.” A report by Deadline also hints that a sequel to the reboot is already in the works.
The Cliffhanger reboot will premiere concurrently with Coyote vs Acme, a Warner Bros. film that was rescued by Ketchup Entertainment after initially being shelved. Currently, promotional materials are limited to just a poster featuring James scaling a mountain, but the project shows great potential, now that its release date is confirmed.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
