David Fincher And Ben Affleck To Remake Hitchcock’s ‘Strangers On A Train’
The team behindGone Girlis going to give a modern twist to an old classic. DirectorDavid Fincherand starBen Affleckare set to remake Alfred Hitchcock’sStrangers on a Train. However, this version will be updated and simply calledStrangers.Gone Girlauthor / screenwriterGillian Flynnis in talks to write the script.
The title and concept change makes sense, because honestly who travels by train anymore? Here’s the twist: it’s basically “Strangers on a Plane.” Affleck will play an Oscar contender whose private plane breaks down. He’s then forced to catch a ride with a mysterious, wealthy stranger. From there, you may imagine what murderous twists and turns might be inspired by the 1951 Hitchcock film. Read more about David FincherStrangersbelow.
Deadlinebroke the news of the updated remake. Warner Bros. will produce and distribute and the hope is for Affleck to star in this film between his next movie, Dennis Lehane’sLive by Night(which he’s also directing), and theJustice Leaguemovies. Fincher and Flynn will have their HBO showUtopiato work on in the meantime.
The originalStrangers on a Trainis a solid Hitchcock thriller about two men who meet on a train – hence the title – and work up a tentative agreement to commit anonymous murder for one another. Will Affleck’s character, a famous actor, do something similar in this film? It seems likely. And if that results in a murder mystery thriller under the watchful eye of David Fincher, then hell-to-the-yes.
Strangers on a Trainis such a simple, great idea, you’d assume it’s been remade time and again. There have been many films inspired by it (most prominentlyThrow Momma From the Train) and a couple of TV remakes, both promoted as “the femaleStrangers on a Train.” But there is no direct big-screen remake. Some producers have tried, but nothing has ever materialized.
With Flynn’s words (if she signs to write the script – she’s still in talks), Affleck and Fincher, this movie definitely has some promise. What do you think ofStrangers?
