Greenlight: Remake of Jamaican Classic 'The Harder They Come'

After numerous failed attempts, the cult Jamaican thriller The Harder They Come may at last be set for a remake. Producer Trudie Styler has joined forces with, among others, Jamaican producer Justine Henzell – daughter of the original's director Perry Henzell (who died in 2006) – who now owns the rights.

Henzell claims to have been approached “many times by companies with remake ideas,” adding, “For the first time, I am confident we have a team that will simultaneously honor the original while creating a new narrative worthy of the legacy.”

The Harder They Come, made in 1972, starred Jimmy Cliff as a naive country boy and aspiring musician who turns up in the Jamaican capital Kingston, hoping to make it big only to be lured into a life of crime. It is generally credited with popularizing reggae in Europe and the US, and boasted a bestselling soundtrack including contributions from Toots and the Maytals, Desmond Dekker and Cliff himself, who recorded the title track for the film.

A draft of the screenplay is expected to be completed in time for the 2011 Cannes market where Styler's production company Xingu Films, Canada’s Conquering Lion, and Henzel will shop the project for financing and distribution. Principal photography scheduled for 2012. Stayed tuned for casting and director announcements.

Until then revisit the original - an original!