The Cliffhanger remake has officially secured domestic distribution and a theatrical release window.
Vertical has acquired U.S. distribution rights to the $100 million action thriller starring Pierce Brosnan and Lily James. The distributor is aiming for a wide theatrical push for Spring 2027, with reports pointing toward February 24, 2027.
The deal gives Jaume Collet-Serra’s new take on the 1993 Sylvester Stallone movie a path to theaters. The project previously had U.S. distribution plans through Row K, which acquired the film in 2025.
The project also underwent a major creative change before reaching its current form. It was initially planned as a legacy sequel with Sylvester Stallone returning, but the film was later reworked as a standalone story. Collet-Serra eventually took over as director, with the new version centered on characters played by Brosnan and James.
The cast and story behind the Cliffhanger reimagining
The new Cliffhanger shifts the action from the original film’s setting to the Dolomites. Pierce Brosnan plays Ray Cooper, a veteran mountaineer who runs a secluded luxury chalet with his daughters.
Lily James portrays Naomi, while Nell Tiger Free plays her sister Sydney. The cast also includes Franz Rogowski, Shubham Saraf, Assaad Bouab, Suzy Bemba, and Bruno Gouery.
The story begins when a billionaire’s son arrives at the chalet for a weekend getaway. A ruthless group then launches a kidnapping, taking Ray hostage and leaving Sydney caught in the attack. Naomi must overcome her fear of the mountains to save her family. Her struggle is tied to a devastating climbing accident that continues to affect her.
The screenplay was penned by Mark Bianculli and Melanie Toast, based on a story by Sacha Penn and Bianculli, with additional scripting contributions by Ana Lily Amirpour.
Producers on the project include Lars Sylvest of Thank You Pictures, Thorsten Schumacher of Rocket Science, Joe Neurauter and Philipp Kreuzer of Supernix, alongside Neal Moritz and Toby Jaffe of Original Film.
The distribution deal was negotiated by Peter Jarowey, Tony Piantedosi, and Rachel White on behalf of Vertical, with CAA Media Finance representing the filmmakers. Rocket Science is handling international sales.
