HEAT Remake Replaces Brian De Palma with Simon West

Jason Statham still attached to star.

Earlier in the year it was revealed that Brian De Palma was attached to direct Jason Statham in a remake of the 1986 Burt Reynolds action thriller ‘Heat.’ Well, word has emerged that de Palma has been replaced by English director Simon West (‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,’ ‘The General’s Daughter,’ ‘Con Air’).

Penned by William Goldman, based on his own original novel, the modernized version tells the story of Nick Escalante (Statham) whose compulsive gambling has led him to the streets of Vegas, where he takes odd jobs providing “security” to support his addiction. His professional and personal lives collide when his friend is brutally beaten forcing him to take on the mob.

West and Statham previously worked together on ‘The Mechanic’ and ‘The Expendables 2.’ ‘Heat’ will also reunite Statham with Cory Yuen, who co-directed the actor in ‘The Transporter.’ Yuen will serve as action director/fight choreographer on the ‘Heat’ remake.

Steven Chasman will produce for SJ Pictures alongside Statham. Quad Films, whose credits include ‘The Intouchables’ and ‘Heart Breaker,’ will co-produce.