Two of the Best 80s Movies Are Getting Reboots by StudioCanal

CinemaCon delivered some fantastic news for movie lovers this year, with plenty of exciting previews and announcements. Although the event focuses on upcoming theatrical releases within the next year, studios still shared details about projects further down the line.

StudioCanal recently announced plans to remake two popular 1980s films: Escape From New York, originally directed by John Carpenter, and The Howling, directed by Joe Dante.

The 80s Are Back

StudioCanal’s Hugh Spearing, Executive VP of Global Marketing and Distribution, recently shared news about two upcoming films. He clarified that these won’t be straight remakes, but rather fresh takes on existing stories. Currently, that’s all the information available, as the projects are still in the early stages of development with no details on casting or plot. The original Escape from New York, released in 1981, featured Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken, a hardened mercenary sent to rescue the President. The film imagined a future where New York City, specifically the year 1997, had become a massive, inescapable prison.

A sequel, Escape From LA, followed in 1996, again with Carpenter and Russell. However, it’s generally considered one of the weaker films in Carpenter’s career. Several filmmakers have attempted to revive the action series in recent years, including Radio Silence (known for Ready or Not). But StudioCanal’s new version seems to be the most promising attempt at a fresh Escape From New York film. Carpenter has even hinted at wanting to revisit the story of Snake Plissken, so it will be fascinating to see if he or Russell participate in this new project.

Dante’s 1981 film, The Howling, truly changed the werewolf movie genre. It’s known for its impressive practical effects and genuinely dark story, and many consider it a standout horror film from the 1980s. The story centers on a journalist, played by Dee Wallace (famous for E.T.), who investigates a gruesome murder. Seeking peace and recovery at a remote retreat, she instead stumbles upon a terrifying secret: a community of werewolves. While the film’s reputation has suffered somewhat due to a series of poorly made sequels, the original Howling remains a unique and disturbing horror experience, particularly thanks to its unforgettable ending.

Where Can You Stream Escape From New York & The Howling?

While fans eagerly await updates on StudioCanal’s planned remakes, you can currently watch both Escape From New York and The Howling on Amazon Prime Video. The Howling is also available to stream for free on Tubi. For those who prefer Blu-rays and DVDs, Scream Factory has released beautiful 4K versions of these classic 80s films.

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2026-04-20 03:10