Before “Bronson” broke him through, those in the know were already hip to Nicolas Winding Refn thanks to his “Pusher” series. The trilogy explored the criminal and drug fueled underworld of Copenhagen with the director’s trademark flourish. It put his name firmly on the list of those to watch and helped launch Refn to the position he sits in today where stuff like the “Logan’s Run” reboot are now viable options. Cinema is filled with numerous gangster pics but “Pusher” seems to be a favorite. It’s already been remade once in a Hindi language version and now the director his putting his weight behind an English take on the material.
Refn is executive producing a remake which will feature an oddball cast toplined by model and newcomer actress Agyness Deyn (she made her feature debut in “Clash of the Titans” last year). Richard Coyle (“Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time“), Bronson Webb (“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides“) and Paul Kaye (“It’s All Gone Pete Tong“) round out the cast for the film which is now set in London (if the crew of Brit actors didn’t tip you off) and will follow the adventures of Frank, just like Refn’s original. Luis Prieto — don’t worry, we never heard of him either — will direct. The helmer is probably best known for his short “Bamboleho” which won Best Narrative at the first annual Tribeca Film Festival in 2002.
“Pusher was the film that launched my career and to have Luis Prieto direct the remake in London will be an exciting venture. It’s a classic tale with strong characters and has an engaging narrative. To see my characters, Frank and Tony in London, one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world, is an opportunity not to be missed,” Refn said in a statement.
As you might guess, we’re not entirely thrilled by a remake but with Refn at least weighing in on some level it should be at least interesting. Right? Anyway, we’ll keep it in the back of our minds for now as there is much to look forward to. The director has “Drive” premiering in just over a week at the Cannes Film Festival and later this year he’ll gear up to lens “Only God Forgives” with Luke Evans and Kristin Scott Thomas. [via ComingSoon]
