Well, it seems that Universal 1140 thinks what the world needs is a reboot of Peter Hyams and Jean-Claude Van Damme's SUDDEN DEATH with a "comedic twist." Yes, Blumhouse's THRILLER writer-director Dallas Jackson will be taking the helm of WELCOME TO SUDDEN DEATH starring actor and comedian Gary Owen and trained martial artist Michael Jai White (BLACK DYNAMITE, SPAWN).
Jackson says:
I’m such a huge fan of martial-arts films I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to reboot this cult classic with Universal 1440. Michael Jai White and Gary Owen are both at the top of their game right now and an on-screen dream team. We’re having a blast making this movie and putting a twist on the buddy-action genre. I can’t wait for the world to see what we’re cooking!
Griff First is producing for Universal 1440. The film begins shooting in Winnipeg, Canada this week and is slated for release on Netflix June 2020.
The original film followed:
Ex-fireman Darren McCord (Jean-Claude Van Damme) has a new job working security at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena. Hoping to impress his kids, he's scored tickets to the Stanley Cup Finals, unaware that the place has been taken over by a group of terrorists. Ex-CIA agent Joshua Foss (Powers Boothe) is holding the vice president hostage in a press box and plans to blow up the building if he doesn't pay the ransom. But, when Darren learns of his scheme, he jumps into action to save the day.
Peter Hyams directed the original SUDDEN DEATH from a screenplay written by Gene Quintano based on a story by Karen Elise Baldwin. Howard Baldwin produced along with Moshe Diamant and the film featured Jean-Claude Van Damme, Powers Boothe, Raymond J. Barry, and Dorian Harewood. Universal Pictures unleashed the DIE HARD rip-off into theaters near you back on December 22, 1995.