The Expendables 3 helmer Patrick Hughes in negotiations for The Raid remake

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Update: It's a done deal folks! The Wrap is reporting that Hughes has closed the deal to direct and this will go into production in the fall. Carry on…

Well, this is sure to ruffle some feathers…

Director Patrick Hughes, who is currently in post production on THE EXPENDABLES 3, is in negotiations to tackle THE RAID remake for Screen Gems and XYZ Films. The original film, THE RAID: REDEMPTION, was directed by Gareth Evans and is slated to release the sequel in theaters next month. The Indonesian martial arts/crime caper about "A S.W.A.T. team becoming trapped in a tenement run by a ruthless mobster and his army of killers and thugs" became a smash hit for foreign and domestic audiences alike, earning it a high status amongst action fans, which ultimately makes the acceptance of a remake that much more difficult. The remake is expected to follow a similar storyline with a script by Brad Inglesby (OUT OF THE FURNACE). No cast is announced for the pic, but the Hemsworth brothers have been name dropped as potential stars.

THE RAID 2 has already garnered mountains of praise (read our review here) and with excitement already raging for fans to see it for themselves, it's hard to believe that anyone would want to see a remake when the original franchise is already kicking all forms of ass with no sign of decline. Hughes, who previously directed the independent action pic RED HILL, is still early in his career and not quite proven to be able to take on such an undertaking, but I suppose if the action gods of the '80's like him, then something is there. That said, I'd much rather see Hughes take his talent elsewhere, because he'll ultimately be a casualty of the fan rage that is set to erupt in 3…2…1…

THE EXPENDABLES 3 is set for release on August 15, 2014.