The aptly named Vertical has officially acquired the U.S. distribution rights to “The Shallows” and “Carry-On” director Jaume Collet-Serra’s upcoming “Cliffhanger” reboot.
The news comes months after original distributor Row K was revealed to be in serious financial issues, putting several films of theirs in limbo. Of those, “Cliffhanger” was easily the biggest.
Back in May it seemed the film, which was independently financed through international pre-sales and private investment, was going to end up at NEON via their new Decal label. Turns out that’s not the case.
With Vertical now snagging the film, a Spring 2027 theatrical release is being planned.
Sylvester Stallone was set to star in what was to be a legacy-sequel to the 1993 Renny Harlin-directed original – only for him and director Ric Roman Waugh to exit weeks before production was to begin over reported “creative differences”.
The script was overhauled and turned into a reimagining of the property with Lily James and Pierce Brosnan to lead the film.
While staying with her father Ray Cooper (Brosnan), an experienced mountaineer who runs a luxury chalet in the Dolomites, Naomi (James) and her sister Sydney join a weekend excursion with the son of a billionaire.
When the group is ambushed by a gang of kidnappers, Naomi witnesses the attack and narrowly escapes. Forced into hiding, she must summon her courage to save Sydney and her father before it is too late.
The film has reportedly tested very well and is expected to get a serious theatrical push.
Source: Deadline
