A Cult Classic 1980s Horror is Officially Being Remade (& It’s Taken 9 Years)

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A beloved horror film from the 1980s is getting a remake after years of discussion, and the project has unexpectedly chosen an independent director to lead it. Nicolas Winding Refn has built a reputation with his own cult films, though his work typically appeals to fans of art house cinema rather than mainstream moviegoers. While he’s best known for the critically acclaimed thriller Drive (2011), starring Ryan Gosling and based on a novel by James Sallis, his other films – including the Pusher trilogy (1996-2005), Only God Forgives (2013), and The Neon Demon (2016) – have largely remained within the independent film scene.

Nicolas Winding Refn hadn’t directed a film since The Neon Demon until this year, when he premiered his sci-fi thriller Her Private Hell at Cannes. Now, Deadline reports he’s taking on a remake of the 1988 cult horror film Maniac Cop, which is a significant change of pace for the director.

Maniac Cop From Nicolas Winding Refn Could Be a Massive Hit

Nicolas Winding Refn, known for his artistic films, is now directing a horror remake of the 1980s slasher film, Maniac Cop. The original movie follows a New York City police lieutenant, played by Tom Atkins, as he tries to stop a killer dressed as a police officer. This killer is revealed to be Matt Cordell, a former officer wrongly accused and killed in prison, who returns seeking revenge. Bruce Campbell, best known for Evil Dead, had a leading role as another officer determined to stop the murderous Maniac Cop.

Although the original movie wasn’t successful in theaters, it gained a dedicated following after its release on video. It spawned two sequels, Maniac Cop 2 (1990) and Maniac Cop III: Badge of Silence (1992). Now, a remake is in the works with an unexpected director, Nicolas Winding Refn. The project has had a winding development path – it was first planned as a movie with John Hyams directing in 2016, then shifted to an HBO television series in 2019. Now, Refn is developing it again, this time for the Mubi streaming service.

Nicolas Winding Refn is planning to film Maniac Cop in Los Angeles in January 2027, and announcements about the actors involved are coming soon. The film is being funded and distributed by Mubi, and it’s expected to have a wide release in theaters. Mubi recently used this approach with the horror film The Substance, which went on to receive Oscar nominations and earned Demi Moore an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Nicolas Winding Refn is excited to reimagine Maniac Cop, aiming to connect its themes to current social and political issues. He stated he’s always been drawn to the concept, and that the film’s imagery feels particularly relevant and disturbing today. Refn has been developing his take on the story for some time, and now feels the moment is right to share his vision – a chaotic world where there’s no security or help available.

This all marks a return for director Nicolas Winding Refn, especially after his film received a 12-minute standing ovation at Cannes. It seems the disappointing performance of his earlier film, The Neon Demon, didn’t factor into his decade-long absence from filmmaking. Refn actually had heart surgery three years ago and was clinically dead for 20 minutes. He described the experience as profoundly life-changing and, after a break to produce the TV series Too Old to Die Young (2019) and Copenhagen Cowboy (2022), he intends to direct more movies.

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2026-05-24 19:11