A few weeks back we reported that Joel Silver’s Silver Pictures had joined forces with Studio Canal to build a new franchise with a out of Escape From New York. Apparently The goal is to turn it into a trilogy, starting with an origin story in a fashion similar to the way Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes restarted that franchise.

Which of course doesn’t sound like the greatest idea. Back when a different version of this remake was in development at New Line with producer Neil Moritz and The Crazies helmer Breck Eisner attached, names like Gerard Butler, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hardy were bandied about to play Plissken. Now, according to the highly dubious Daily News, Hardy is still in the running. Along with Jason Statham.

A source touted as being “close to the producers” says that Statham has the physical build and “proven track record of a leading man.” I’m not sure where that comment comes from since neither of Statham’s last two starring vehicles (Safe, Parker) made much money. And not to get too fan-wanky – but he’s just not right for the part. Sure, Snake Plissken was Kurt Russell dialing his charm down a bit, but there was still something fun about the character internally. Anyway there’s a good chance there’s not one iota of truth to this.

I mean, I guess I’d prefer Tom Hardy since he’s “better” for the part. But we’re talking about a movie that probably shouldn’t exist either way, really.