Zack Snyder reveals star lobbying for NYC escape role

Olivia Smith 09/19/2026

The casting buzz is heating up on the film front, as director Zack Snyder hints at some incredibly high-profile connections for his upcoming reimagining of Escape from New York.

Snyder recently shared some tantalizing details about the production, suggesting that a familiar face from the DCEU universe is actively lobbying to join the project. The speculation quickly turned into concrete conversation when the director hinted at the possibility of bringing back the iconic role of Snake Plissken, a character famously embodied by Kurt Russell.

When asked if he had found his Plissken, Snyder offered an intriguing response: “I may.”

The conversation took a fascinating turn when Snyder mentioned a past interaction with Jeffrey Dean Morgan, a star known for his work across DC cinema. It turns out Morgan has been keeping in touch with Snyder about taking on the role or joining another project, and Snyder confirmed his enthusiasm, calling him “the best” and expressing deep admiration for his strength and talent.

This connection is certainly noteworthy, given Morgan’s extensive history with the DC landscape. He has already graced the screen in the DCEU, playing roles like The Comedian in Watchmen, Franklin Clay in The Losers, and Jeb Turnbull in Jonah Hex.

The setting of the remake promises a layered narrative. While the film will be set in 1997, Snyder plans to use the backdrop of 1981 for the intense conflict between the police force and criminal elements, creating an intentional homage to the original film’s release year.

Snyder is clearly aiming for a specific aesthetic, viewing the story as a blend of kitsch and camp, infused with sharp satire. The narrative will allow viewers to comment on themes of government overreach, reflecting current headlines with a dose of cinematic absurdity.

While the thematic framework is taking shape, the full roster of cast and crew remains under wraps, leaving fans eager to see the final reveal of the creative team behind this highly anticipated reboot.