John Travolta is joining Denzel Washington in The Taking of Pelham 123, the Tony Scott-directed remake at Columbia Pictures.
Travolta will play the leader of a quartet that hijacks a New York subway train and threatens to kill the passengers unless a ransom is paid. The role was originated in the 1974 film by Robert Shaw.
Washington plays the chief detective of security for the subway, a role originated by Walter Matthau in the Joseph Sargent-directed drama.
David Koepp wrote the script and Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch are producing through Escape Artists. Tony Scott is also producing through his Scott Free. The film rolls into production early next year.
