Taylor Kitsch to star in Raid remake

Note: This article was at first a few pages of rants but in the end I changed it to an info piece because, well we can bitch and moan all we want but the sad truth is, Hollywood is never going to stop, all we can do is inform and hope.

Yes it’s true folks, The Raid is getting the American remake treatment. Yayan Ruhian (Mad Dog) and Iko Uwais (Rama) are back to choreograph the action but not starring because you know, American producers believe that Americans can’t handle foreigners starring in films as well as reading subtitles. Harsh? What about the ever so white Rooney Mara as the Indian (?) Tiger Lilly in the new Peter Pan remake? But that’s another story.

So anyway, The Raid, Gareth Evans is stepping down as director and handing the reigns to Patrick Hughes, (The Expendables 3) and here’s the best bit, the film will star Taylor Kitsch better known as Gambit from X-men Origins Wolverine or John Carter not of Mars and… Battleship hahahhaha, I’m still waiting for Hungry Hippos the Movie.

Oh and speaking of Battleship, Jon and Erich Hoeber who penned the movie are in charge of writing duties. Luckily for them The Raid’s story isn’t its strong point. It’s the action. Evans along with cinematographers Matt Flannery and Dimas Imam Subhono framed their action pieces perfectly and along with Ruhian’s masterful choreography it sent our adrenaline levels through the roof. Those unfortunate enough to watch the Oldboy remake will know how a good fight scene can be cut and shredded to shit by producers as well as the rest of the movie. The only positive I can see for now is that even if the movie is crap it will make people want to see the originals.

As for now they’re still in negotiations but according to Sony, production will begin soon. Hopefully in time I will be proven wrong and this remake will be equal to its Indonesian predecessor, until then I’m a watch both Raids back to back.