Cliffhanger Reimagining Lands at Vertical
Vertical has acquired U.S. rights to Cliffhanger, a new take on the 1993 classic, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (Carry On). The film, written by Mark Bianculli and Melanie Toast based on a story by Sacha Penn and Bianculli, stars Lily James (the upcoming The Liberation) and Pierce Brosnan (Black Bag).
The cast also includes Nell Tiger Free (Servant), Franz Rogowski (Passages), Shubham Saraf (Shantaram), Assaad Bouab (Franklin), Suzy Bemba (Poor Things), and Bruno Gouery (Emily in Paris). Vertical is targeting a wide theatrical release for Spring 2027.
Cliffhanger is set high in the breathtaking but treacherous Dolomites where legendary mountaineer Ray Cooper (Pierce Brosnan) runs a secluded luxury chalet with his daughters, Naomi (Lily James) and Sydney (Nell Tiger Free).
When a billionaire’s son arrives for a weekend getaway, a ruthless gang launches a daring kidnapping, taking Ray hostage and leaving Sydney in the crossfire. Haunted by a devastating climbing accident, Naomi must conquer her fear of the mountains and turn the terrain against her enemies in a relentless race to save her family.
“Cliffhanger is the perfect combination of an iconic title, a world-class filmmaker, an incredible cast, and edge-of-your-seat spectacle that demands to be experienced on the big screen,” stated Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey.
“Jaume Collet-Serra has created a relentless, visually stunning thriller that takes everything audiences love about the original and delivers it with a fresh, modern intensity. With Lily James and Pierce Brosnan leading an exceptional cast, we’re thrilled to bring this next chapter of Cliffhanger to theaters in 2027.”
The producers include Lars Sylvest of Thank You Pictures, Thorsten Schumacher of Rocket Science, Joe Neurauter and Philipp Kreuzer of Supernix, and Neal Moritz and Toby Jaffe.
The deal was negotiated by Jarowey, SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi, and Manager of Acquisitions Rachel White on behalf of Vertical and by CAA Media Finance on behalf of the filmmakers. Rocket Science is handling international sales.
