The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 is an upcoming American action film written by Brian Helgeland and directed by Tony Scott. The film is a remake of the original 1974 film of the same name, which is based on the thriller novel by John Godey aka Morton Freedgood. Production of the remake began in March 2008, and the film is slated for release on June 12, 2009.
Columbia Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (which owns the original film) are co-distributing the film, this being a result of Columbia parent Sony owning a stake in MGM since 2005.
Directed by Tony Scott
Produced by Tony Scott
Todd Black
Jason Blumenthal
Steve Tisch
Written by Brian Helgeland
David Koepp
Starring Denzel Washington
John Travolta
James Gandolfini
Luis Guzman
John Turturro
Gbenga Akinnagbe
Music by Harry Gregson-Williams
Cinematography Tobias A. Schliessler
Editing by Chris Lebenzon
Studio Relativity Media
Scott Free Productions
Escape Artists
Distributed by Columbia Pictures
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release date(s) June 12, 2009
Country United States
Language English
Cast
Denzel Washington portrays Walter Garber, the New York City subway dispatcher who is negotiating with the hijackers and is also the Transit Authority lieutenant. The role had been portrayed by Walter Matthau in the 1974 film and Edward James Olmos in the 1998 television movie.
John Travolta portrays Bernard Ryder (a.k.a. “Mr. Blue”), the leader of the hijackers. The role was originally portrayed by Robert Shaw in the 1974 film. Tony Scott courted Travolta heavily for the actor’s first action role in years.
James Gandolfini portrays the mayor of New York City, who is under heavy pressure to address the hostage crisis. The character was originally portrayed by Lee Wallace in the 1974 film.
John Turturro portrays Camonetti
Luis Guzmán portrays Phil Ramos (a.k.a. “Mr. Green”), one of the hijackers. The role, originally named “Harold Longman”, had been portrayed by Martin Balsam in the 1974 film.
Ramon Rodriguez portrays Delgado, an MTA train dispatcher.
Victor Gojcaj portrays Bashkim (a.k.a. “Mr. Grey”), the most aggressive of the hijackers. The character, originally named “Joe Welcome”, was portrayed by Hector Elizondo in the 1974 film.
Gbenga Akinnagbe portrays Wallace
Michael Rispoli portrays John Johnson
Jason Butler Harner portrays Mr.Thomas
