Vertical has officially secured U.S. rights to Cliffhanger, a new, high‑altitude reimagining of the 1993 action classic. Directed by Jaume Collet‑Serra (Carry On), the film brings together an impressive ensemble led by Lily James and Pierce Brosnan, with Vertical planning a wide theatrical rollout in Spring 2027. The acquisition marks one of the distributor’s most ambitious releases to date, pairing a globally recognized title with a filmmaker known for muscular, visually driven thrillers.
Written by Mark Bianculli and Melanie Toast, from a story by Sacha Penn and Bianculli, Cliffhanger features a diverse international cast including Nell Tiger Free, Franz Rogowski, Shubham Saraf, Assaad Bouab, Suzy Bemba, and Bruno Gouery—each adding depth to a story built around survival, family, and the unforgiving power of nature.
A NEW CHAPTER IN THE DOLOMITES
Set amid the breathtaking yet perilous Dolomites, Cliffhanger centers on legendary mountaineer Ray Cooper (Pierce Brosnan), who has retreated from the climbing world to run a secluded luxury chalet with his daughters, Naomi (Lily James) and Sydney (Nell Tiger Free). Their quiet life is upended when the son of a billionaire arrives for a weekend escape, drawing the attention of a ruthless gang that launches a precision‑planned kidnapping operation. Ray is taken hostage, Sydney is caught in the chaos, and Naomi—still grappling with the trauma of a devastating climbing accident—must confront the very mountains she has avoided.
As the gang’s plan unfolds, Naomi is forced into a dangerous ascent that pushes her skills, endurance, and emotional limits. Using the Dolomites’ treacherous terrain as both weapon and shield, she races against time to outmaneuver the kidnappers and rescue her family. The film blends high‑stakes action with character‑driven tension, delivering a modern survival thriller rooted in the legacy of the original Cliffhanger while carving out its own identity.
VERTICAL’S STATEMENT
“Cliffhanger is the perfect combination of an iconic title, a world‑class filmmaker, an incredible cast, and edge‑of‑your‑seat spectacle that demands to be experienced on the big screen,” said Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey. “Jaume Collet‑Serra has created a relentless, visually stunning thriller that takes everything audiences love about the original and delivers it with a fresh, modern intensity. With Lily James and Pierce Brosnan leading an exceptional cast, we’re thrilled to bring this next chapter of Cliffhanger to theaters in 2027.”
PRODUCTION & DEAL DETAILS
Producers:
- Lars Sylvest (Thank You Pictures)
- Thorsten Schumacher (Rocket Science)
- Joe Neurauter & Philipp Kreuzer (Supernix)
- Neal Moritz & Toby Jaffe