The remake of the classic 1993 mountain adventure thriller Cliffhanger is progressing with actress Lily James in the lead role, offering fans an exciting new take on Sylvester Stallone’s iconic film. Originally featuring Stallone as a guide rescuing plane crash survivors in the Rocky Mountains, the film became one of his major box office successes, grossing $255 million worldwide.
Initially, the reboot announced in 2023 involved Stallone returning to his role, but plans shifted by the following year. Now, the project stars Lily James alongside Pierce Brosnan, with no involvement from Stallone. James has been vocal about her challenging training for the film, which involved significant physical preparation to capture the thrilling essence of mountain climbing central to the story.
Rigorous Preparation Behind the Scenes
Lily James revealed that her commitment to the role required undergoing intensive climbing training, dedicating five hours each day to mastering the demanding sport. This training was essential to authentically portray a mountain rescuer and bring a fresh, believable dynamic to the reboot.
“(Laughs.) Oh my God, I had the time of my life. It was so hard. I did five hours of climbing a day for many weeks, and I had the most amazing teacher. I was on mountains nonstop. I fell completely in love with it. It’s the most mind-body-soul activity. It’s so deeply athletic, but also meditative. And I’m a [mountain-climbing] addict now. [James holds her hand up to the camera.] I broke my little finger at Christmas, and I was so sad because I couldn’t climb. But I’m really proud of Cliffhanger. I’m so excited. We’re in the edit and getting it ready, and I’m super hopeful. It is such a cool reimagining, and while it’s really unexpected at times, it keeps all the gripping glory of the original, I hope. I did all my own climbing, and I got real strong. (Laughs.) I was just pounding press-ups between every take.”
—Lily James, Actress
Her dedication to performing all the climbing sequences herself adds a new level of authenticity and intensity to the film, promising audiences a thrilling and physically immersive experience. Climbing, she explains, became both a demanding athletic challenge and a meditative practice, deepening her connection to the role.
The Dynamic Between Lily James and Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan joins Lily James in a key role, playing her father in the story. Their reunion on screen follows their previous collaboration in the musical film Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, highlighting an interesting contrast between that film’s lighthearted tone and the tense, action-filled atmosphere of Cliffhanger.
“We were so lucky to have him, and he’s so brilliant in the movie. He’s one of life’s true gentlemen, and he was such a brilliant actor to have as our father in this story. He just brings real heart, and he elevates the whole thing. He’s just a dream, and getting to work with him again was so wonderful.”
—Lily James, Actress
This partnership brings a fresh energy to the remake, combining Brosnan’s seasoned presence with James’ spirited performance. Brosnan’s recent career highlights, including roles in Black Bag and the upcoming The Thursday Murder Club, suggest this film will further diversify his portfolio.
A New Take on an Established Story
The upcoming Cliffhanger is not a direct sequel but a reimagining of the original, switching the lead from a male to a female protagonist. This change presents the mountain rescue narrative through a different lens, creating opportunities for new perspectives and storytelling within the familiar high-stakes setting of the Rocky Mountains.
This shift is significant because it challenges traditional action genre conventions and expands the representation of women in physically demanding lead roles, potentially drawing a wider audience who may appreciate the fresh approach. Fans of the original may find some surprises, but the remake aims to preserve the core tension and excitement that defined Stallone’s version.
Production Progress and Expected Release
Editor work is currently underway, with the film nearing completion. While there is no official release date yet, the progress indicates the possibility of Cliffhanger arriving within the next year, assuming no additional filming is required. The studio appears optimistic about the film’s readiness, signaling that audiences will soon get a chance to experience this latest mountain adventure.
Cast Overview
The film features Lily James as Naomi Cooper and Pierce Brosnan as Ray Cooper. Other cast members include Nell Tiger Free and Franz Rogowski in supporting roles, contributing to a diverse ensemble poised to bring this story to life.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Sylvester Stallone in the military?
A. Sylvester Stallone never joined the military. In 1969, while he was a student, he was eligible for the draft but was exempted. This exemption was due to claims of partial paralysis in his face.
