Sylvester Stallone Steps Back from Cliffhanger Reboot; Lily James, Pierce Brosnan Lead

Fans of the high-altitude action thriller Cliffhanger can look forward to a fresh take on the classic film, but with one major change — Sylvester Stallone, the original star, will not be returning. Instead, Lily James and Pierce Brosnan are set to lead this reboot, which recently started filming in the stunning Lienz Dolomites of Austria.

Production company Rocket Science confirmed that James and Brosnan are the headliners for the new Cliffhanger, with Jaume Collet-Serra taking over as director. Collet-Serra, known for directing gripping action films like Non-Stop and Jungle Cruise, replaces Ric Roman Waugh, who was previously attached to the project. Collet-Serra has emphasized his commitment to capturing the grandeur and excitement of the storyline, using large-format cameras to bring the mountain setting to life in a way that’s designed for the big screen.

Plot Shift: New Characters, New Challenges

This new Cliffhanger follows Naomi, played by Lily James, a climber haunted by the memory of a past accident. Her courage is tested when she must rescue her father, Ray Cooper (Pierce Brosnan), who is kidnapped while on a climbing expedition with the son of a wealthy adventurer. The film promises a mix of personal and physical challenges for Naomi, pushing her to confront her past and her fears in order to save her father.

The cast lineup is packed with talent. Nell Tiger Free (The First Omen), Franz Rogowski (Passages), Shubham Saraf (Shantaram), Assaad Bouab (Franklin), Suzy Bemba (Poor Things), and Bruno Gouery (Emily in Paris) all join James and Brosnan, adding diversity and depth to the film’s new narrative.

Training and Dedication: Lily James Takes on the Role of a Climber

Collet-Serra praised James for her dedication to the role, noting her extensive climbing training to bring authenticity to the character of Naomi. Her commitment has impressed the crew, allowing them to film some exhilarating scenes. “Lily’s training shows on screen,” Collet-Serra shared, adding that her physical preparation helped capture shots that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

Filming is taking place across breathtaking mountain locations, with plans to shoot scenes in Germany and Italy as well, ensuring the film’s visuals capture the vast, unforgiving environment Naomi must face.

Stallone’s Exit: No Return for the Original Star

Originally, Stallone was set to reprise his role as mountain climber Gabe Walker in a “legacy sequel” similar to recent returns of iconic characters, such as his own Rocky in Creed and Tom Cruise’s Maverick in Top Gun: Maverick. However, Stallone’s involvement has since been dropped, and he will not be appearing in this reboot.

The production company hasn’t disclosed why Stallone won’t be involved. Still, with James and Brosnan taking the reins, the reboot will forge its own path, creating a new adventure while paying homage to the original film’s high-stakes thrills.

A Glimpse Back: Cliffhanger’s Legacy

The original Cliffhanger was a commercial hit in 1993, grossing $255 million worldwide and earning three Oscar nominations for its sound and visual effects. Directed by Renny Harlin, the film showcased Stallone as Gabe Walker, a climber caught up in a dangerous heist plot in the Rockies. Known for its suspense and realistic action scenes, Cliffhanger became a standout film in Stallone’s career and is still remembered as one of the top action films of the early ’90s.

With Collet-Serra’s experience in creating suspenseful, action-packed films, combined with a talented and fresh cast, this Cliffhanger reboot aims to bring a new edge to the beloved classic, showcasing the allure of mountain-climbing adventures to a modern audience.