Pelham Revisited

Another day, Another remake. But at least this one shouldn't suck-with Denzel Washington cast as the lead.

Denzel from Man on Fire

Michael Fleming and Tatiana Siegel of Variety:

...Washington will reteam with frequent collaborator Tony Scott on a remake of "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" for Columbia Pictures.

David Koepp, who penned [drafts of the script of] "Spider-Man 4" for the studio, wrote the screenplay.

Washington will take on the role of Zachary "Z" Garber, which was played by Walter Matthau in the original 1974 Joseph Sargent-helmed film. The story, based on a novel by John Godey, also spawned a 1998 TV movie starring Edward James Olmos.

The latest incarnation takes place in contemporary New York and is set in motion when four hijackers take over a subway train and hold the passengers for ransom.

Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch are producing through their Sony-based Escape Artists banner.

Sony will launch production in the first quarter of 2008.

Washington and Scott have worked together on a number of films, including "Deja Vu" and "Crimson Tide."

Washington's upcoming credits include "American Gangster," helmed by Tony Scott's brother, Ridley.

Washington recently wrapped production on his latest directorial effort, "The Great Debaters."

The original "Pelham" is a pitch perfect hostage drama...Given the folks involved with the update I expect good things to happen. Washington's already appeared in some pretty tense films in this sub-genre. Inside Man and John Q spring right to mind...