Jeffrey Dean Morgan Lobbied for Escape from New York Role
Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan has expressed interest in playing Snake Plissken in the upcoming film reboot.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Science Fiction
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Director Zack Snyder confirmed that Jeffrey Dean Morgan reached out to lobby for a lead role in his new project. The actor is vying to portray the iconic character Snake Plissken.
Why it matters
The casting conversation highlights the development process for this high-profile revival. It also marks a potential new collaboration for Snyder and Morgan after their previous work together.
The reboot is confirmed to be set in 1997, referencing the conflict timeline of the 1981 original. Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan is 60 years old and previously collaborated with director Zack Snyder.
The players
Zack Snyder
He is a prominent filmmaker known for his work in the superhero genre and his distinct visual style.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan
He is a well-known actor who previously collaborated with Snyder as Thomas Wayne in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Kurt Russell
He is a legendary actor who famously originated the role of Snake Plissken in the 1981 cult classic.
The details
Zack Snyder shared the news during an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast while discussing his work on the reboot. The director noted that Morgan approached him personally to express his interest in the character originally played by Kurt Russell.
Timeline
1981: Original release year of Escape from New York.
2016: Release of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.
1997: Setting of the upcoming reboot film.
Industry Dynamics
This project follows a broader Hollywood trend of revisiting cult science fiction classics for modern audiences. It highlights how directors leverage established relationships with actors to build buzz for major franchise reboots.
Fans of the original franchise can track casting announcements to see if their favorite actors join the production. The project remains in the early development phase, meaning theatrical release information is not yet available.
The takeaway
Casting rumors serve as an early indicator of the creative direction behind major studio reboots. Understanding these connections helps audiences identify which legacy films are being prioritized by current production teams.
Further reading
For more on upcoming projects in the genre, visit the Science Fiction section.
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