

〉Hughes has dropped off of the highly-anticipated project, as has Screen Gems

Sources have confirmed to the Tracking Board that Expendables 3 helmer Patrick Hughes is out as director of The Raid remake. In addition, we’re hearing that the project is no longer at Screen Gems, and that XYZ Films is now the sole production company on the film.

Based on the 2011 Indonesian film, the remake centers on an elite SWAT team tasked with raiding an impenetrable safe house in which one of the world’s most notorious drug lords resides. When a spotter tips the drug lord off to the impending assault, the building’s lights are cut and all exits blocked. Stranded on the 6th floor, the squad must fight their way through the city’s most dangerous gangsters in order to survive.

The highly-anticipated remake has been in development for some time. Sources say that despite closely following the original film’s storyline, it will likely take place in the near future, with shooting taking place in Malaysia. True Detective’s Taylor Kitsch was attached to lead with Frank Grillo, though Kitsch has since vacated.

With Screen Gems–and therefore Sony–out of the picture, producers are no doubt seeking a new distributor for the film. XYZ Films has taken over sole production duties, with Aram Tertzakian, Nate Bolotin and Nick Spencer producing, while Kyle Franke oversees for the shingle.

Whether Hughes falling off was due to creative differences or scheduling conflicts isn’t clear, however he is now set to direct The Storm Warning, an epic drama based on the true story of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race disaster. As an Australian native, it’s possible this project became a priority, especially given the fact that The Raid remake’s shoot date was continually postponed. The director, who broke through with his 2010 film Red Hill, started out as a commercial director before catching the eye of Sylvester Stallone in 2013.

The Raid: Redemption, which gained cult status internationally for its high-octane action sequences driven by martial arts star Iko Uwais, was written and directed by Gareth Evans. Evans is still attached as an executive producer for the remake, and has contributed to the screenplay. In addition to Evans, the remake’s script has undergone several drafts from various writers, including Run All Night scribe Brad Ingelsby, and Red duo Erich and Jon Hoeber.

With Hughes out, XYZ is looking to fill the gap with a director who is able to handle the adrenaline-fueled action this remake requires.

Hughes is repped by WME and Brillstein Entertainment.

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Josh Lyons| Staff Writer