“Face/Off” is probably one of the best examples of a film that is undeniably bad, in the sense that the story is ridiculous, the acting is campy, and the script is full of cringe. But in that badness is some pretty great John Woo action and two performances that have gone down in history as a couple of masterclasses in chewing scenery. In those respects, “Face/Off” is a fucking classic. So, it’s with a conflicted heart, I must inform you that Paramount has decided to reboot the ‘90s action film.
According to Deadline, Paramount has decided to do the classic reboot-quel thing to the John Woo film, “Face/Off.” Adam Wingard, the filmmaker behind the upcoming “Godzilla vs. Kong,” is attached to direct and co-write with his frequent collaborator Simon Barrett. The film is described as a sequel to the original film, but the two leads, formerly played by John Travolta and Nicolas Cage, are going to be recast.
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“Face/Off” is a film that defies simple explanation. The premise features a good guy that must go undercover as his arch-nemesis in a prison to get the information he needs to save the world. And to do that, he takes the face, uh, off of the bad guy and surgically grafts it to his own. It’s bonkers just describing it, but I assure you, it’s even more batshit crazy in actuality.
This is what makes the idea of a reboot-quel so alarming. First, the big issue is recasting Travolta and Cage’s characters. Those two are the heart and soul (and faces) of “Face/Off.” Without them, is it even worth it? Well, that’s the bittersweet part, right? You see, Wingard (minus “Death Note,” which isn’t great) has proven himself to be one of the best genre filmmakers working today. “You’re Next” is an underrated horror classic. And then, “The Guest” might actually be one of the most stylish, well-made action films of the past decade. So, it’s hard to automatically write this “Face/Off” reboot off as much as I really want to.
On Instagram, Wingard confirmed the news, saying, “I would NEVER re-imagine or remake FACE/OFF. It’s a perfect action movie. Simon Barrett and I are writing a direct SEQUEL! 🙂 :)”
So, call me cautiously pessimistic. I want to hate this with every fiber of my being. But that damn Adam Wingard might make me a believer. But without Travolta and Cage, this is a very big uphill battle.