Zack Snyder recently revealed his story concept for the Escape from New York reboot. The film will still be set in 1997, but it will start from how people in 1981 imagined the future, continuing the original's dystopian sci-fi framework.
Snyder stated that the battle between American police forces and criminal factions in the story takes place on July 9, 1981. This date also marks the release of John Carpenter's original film in 1981, while the rest will largely preserve the core settings of Escape from New York.
The original film depicts parts of the United States turned into maximum-security prison zones, with Manhattan Island transformed into a large prison. Former Special Forces member Snake Plissken was originally scheduled to be imprisoned there, but when the President gets trapped in Manhattan, he is given a chance: complete the rescue mission, and he will receive a pardon.
Discussing the themes of the reboot, Snyder said he loved the original's blend of pulp fun, exaggerated style, and satirical elements. He hopes to use this story to discuss issues such as the expansion of government power, believing that some parts remain relevant today.
The actor playing the new Snake Plissken has not been publicly announced. When asked if he had someone in mind, Snyder only replied "maybe," while refusing to disclose whether the person had previously worked with him. He confirmed that the new character should retain Snake Plissken's iconic look.
The reboot of Escape from New York is still in development, with no specific release date announced yet.