Lily James & Pierce Brosnan’s 2027 ‘Cliffhanger’ Reboot Is a Shock

Vertical has secured U.S. rights to Jaume Collet‑Serra’s reboot of the 1993 action‑adventure classic *Cliffhanger,* starring Lily James and Pierce Brosnan.

The $7 million deal positions the film for a wide theatrical release in spring 2027, following Row K’s collapse that left several TIFF‑acquired titles without a distributor.

## Background & Context

Row K had secured several films at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, including Maude Apatow’s *Poetic License* and Gus Van Sant’s *Dead Man’s Wire,* but its sudden implosion left those projects homeless.

Rumors spread that Neon’s new Decal label would pick up *Cliffhanger,* but Decal withdrew before finalizing the agreement. Vertical stepped in as the film’s unexpected savior.

## What Happened

Vertical paid roughly $7 million for U.S. distribution rights, . The label plans a broad release in the United States during spring 2027, following its acquisition of the film’s theatrical rights at TIFF. This purchase marks Vertical’s largest pick‑up to date.

“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 to.

“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.”

The film is set high in the Dolomites, where legendary mountaineer Ray Cooper (Pierce Brosnan) runs a secluded luxury chalet with his daughters. When a billionaire’s son arrives for a weekend getaway, a ruthless gang kidnaps Ray, leaving one daughter, Sydney (Nell Tiger Free), in the crossfire.

Haunted by a past climbing accident, the other daughter, Naomi (Lily James), must conquer her fear and turn the terrain against her enemies.

The screenplay was penned by Mark Bianculli and Melanie Toast, based on a story by Sacha Penn and Bianculli. Supporting cast includes Nell Tiger Free, Franz Rogowski, Shubham Saraf, Assaad Bouab, Suzy Bemba, and Bruno Gouery.

Producers span Thank You Pictures, Rocket Science, Supernix, and the production teams of Neal Moritz and Toby Jaffe.

James’ rising star is highlighted by her recent work on *The Liberation,* which premiered at Telluride and is now playing TIFF. Pete Hammond called the film an “edge‑of‑your‑seat suspense thriller,” praising James as “bewitching.” The movie will be released by Bleecker Street on Jan. 8, 2027.

## What Happens Next

Vertical’s acquisition was negotiated by Senior Vice President of Acquisitions Peter Jarowey, Tony Piantedosi, and Manager of Acquisitions Rachel White. They worked alongside CAA Media Finance representing the filmmakers. Rocket Science handled international sales for the project.

Vertical plans a spring 2027 wide release, positioning the film as a high‑energy action thriller amid a slate of original content. The acquisition follows its previous big pick‑up, which was reportedly $7 million and is its biggest purchase to date.

With Row K’s collapse prompting a scramble for distribution, Vertical’s move underscores the volatility of festival‑acquired projects. Fans of the original Stallone film can look forward to a fresh, modern take featuring a star‑studded cast and breathtaking mountain sequences.

The deal places *Cliffhanger* alongside other high‑profile festival titles that struggled after Row K’s exit, such as Maude Apatow’s *Poetic License* and Gus Van Sant’s *Dead Man’s Wire.* As Vertical readies the film for a 2027 theatrical run, industry observers note a trend toward larger distributors filling gaps left by smaller companies.

Vertical’s acquisition signals the film market’s shift toward big‑ticket projects that can command substantial budgets and wide releases, even when initial distributors falter. The company’s confidence in the film’s potential may set a precedent for future high‑profile, festival‑born adventures.