Cliffhanger (2026 film)

As a sequel

In 1994, TriStar Pictures announced plans to develop a sequel to the 1993 film Cliffhanger, titled Cliffhanger 2: The Dam, with Stallone reprising his starring role. The plot revolved around Gabe Walker combating terrorists who took control of the Hoover Dam. The project remained in development until 2008, when the project was revived with Stallone's involvement, before being shelved.^[2] In May 2009, it was announced that a reimagining was in development. Produced by Neal H. Moritz, the project would be a joint-production between Original Film and StudioCanal. The story would focus around a group of young climbers and was tentatively scheduled to begin principal photography the following year. Moritz stated that his intent was to adapt the story in a similar manner comparable to J.J. Abrams' work on Star Trek.^[3] By May 2014, Joe Gazzam was hired as screenwriter after pitching his approach to the story to Moritz.^[4] By May 2015, Stallone expressed interest in developing a direct sequel to the original film.^[5] In May 2019, Rocket Science optioned the rights from StudioCanal and Sony Pictures to develop an entirely new screenplay and turn the story into a female-led version. Ana Lily Amirpour was hired as director, with a new draft of the script written by Sascha Penn. Jason Momoa was in early negotiations to feature in a prominent cameo role; Thorsten Schumacher, Lars Sylvest, Toby Jaffe and Neal Moritz were attached as producers. The story was described as a survival action thriller. The producers stated that there are plans for more than one installment to be made.^[6]

In May 2023, it was announced that the project would be redeveloped as a legacy-sequel. Ric Roman Waugh was hired as director (replacing Amirpour), from a new script written by Mark Bianculli. Stallone was slated to reprise his role from the original, in addition to taking on a role as producer.^[7] The plot was stated as the continued adventures of climber-turned-rescue ranger Gabriel "Gabe" Walker alongside a supporting cast and feature the Italian Alps. Moritz, Jaffe, Schumacher, Sylvest and Braden Aftergood were stated to also serve as producers. Original Film, Balboa Productions, StudioCanal, Rocket Science, Wright Productions & Entertainment and Front Row Entertainment were named as production studios. The movie had a presence at Cannes, where additional funding and distribution were secured.^[8][9][10] In December 2023, it was announced that additional film companies had joined the project including FilmFernsehFonds Bayern, Black Magic Films, Supernix, Maze Pictures and Occupant Entertainment. Joe Neurauter and Philipp Kreuzer came on board as producers and filming was scheduled to commence in the fall of 2024 in Bavaria and Munich.^[11][12]

As a reboot

In October 2024, it was reported that Stallone and Roman Waugh were no longer involved with the film; in a creative overhaul, the project was changed from a direct sequel to a reimagining with Jaume Collet-Serra taking over as director.^[1] Additionally, Melanie Toast was added as a writer.^[13] Bianculli and Toast received screenplay credit, while Penn and Bianculli received story credit.^[14] Lily James was cast in the lead role, with Pierce Brosnan, Nell Tiger Free, Franz Rogowski, Shubham Saraf, Assaad Bouab, Suzy Bemba, and Bruno Gouery in supporting roles. Principal photography began that same month in Austria.^[1] Krisztian Majdik edited the film.^[15]