MOVIE NEWS – The iconic Hollywood action hero, Sylvester Stallone, is confirmed to return as Gabe Walker in the much-anticipated sequel to the 1993 classic action thriller, Cliffhanger. This time, the film will be directed by the talented Ric Roman Waugh, known for his work on Greenland.

In the original Cliffhanger, Stallone’s character Gabe Walker, a former ranger, finds himself and his ex-partners trapped on a mountain by a group of ruthless international criminals. Left with no support and facing impossible odds, Walker must rely on his exceptional mountain climbing abilities to outsmart his adversaries and save his friends.

Deadline reports that Stallone is on board to reprise his role as Walker in the upcoming sequel, with Waugh at the helm. Mark Bianculli, the writer behind The Good Neighbor and Hunters, will craft the screenplay. Stallone’s Balboa Productions will produce the film in collaboration with Original Film and Rocket Science. Both Waugh and producer Neal H. Moritz expressed their enthusiasm for the project in statements:

Waugh: As a fan of the most iconic action films of the 80s and 90s, having worked on many of them myself, Cliffhanger has always been a personal favorite. The opportunity to direct the next installment and scale the Italian Alps alongside the legendary Sylvester Stallone is a dream come true. I’m committed to taking this franchise to new heights and embrace the responsibility wholeheartedly.

Moritz: The excitement I felt watching Sylvester Stallone in the original Cliffhanger is unforgettable. I’m thrilled to collaborate with him and Ric Waugh to continue Gabe Walker’s story and share this classic tale with a new generation of moviegoers worldwide.

While plot details remain scarce, fans can only speculate about what the sequel has in store. It is possible that the film will follow the trend of other legacy sequels, with Walker setting the stage for a new generation of characters to take the lead. Given the conclusive ending of the original Cliffhanger, the sequel may focus on Walker’s final adventure before retirement, similar to Stallone’s last appearance as Rocky Balboa.

With Waugh’s impressive resume in the action-thriller genre, the director is well-equipped to capture the essence of ’90s action movies. Having started his career as a stunt performer in films like Last Action Hero and Gone in 60 Seconds, Waugh possesses a deep understanding of the genre, ensuring that the sequel will do justice to the 30-year-old cult classic. As Cliffhanger 2 moves into pre-production, fans eagerly await Stallone’s return to the mountainside.

Source: Deadline