Cliffhanger (literal translation: The climber) is a 2026 American action adventure thriller film directed by Jaume Collette-Serra from a screenplay by Marc Biancouli, Melanie Touste, and Ana Lily Amirpour. The film is set to be released in the United States on August 28, 2026.
Cliffhanger is a new American action thriller that is a remake of the classic film "„The climber“" from 1993 starring Sylvester Stallone. Rather than a direct sequel, this version is a modern adaptation of the original story, combining high-tension, dangerous mountain climbing and personal drama. The film is set in the Alps and promises to offer realistic and exciting scenes of survival inspired by the harsh nature of the Dolomites.
The story follows Naomi Cooper (Lily James), a young woman haunted by a past climbing accident while spending a weekend with her family at her mountain home, a luxurious Alpine villa in the Dolomites. While on a trip with the son of a wealthy man, the group becomes the target of a dangerous gang intent on kidnapping them, putting everyone in a life-threatening situation. When the attack goes awry, Naomi must face her fears, use her skills, and do everything she can to save her family and survive the harsh mountain environment.
The film is directed by Jaume Collette-Serra, known for his work on dynamic and suspenseful action productions. He gives the Cliffhanger a dark and realistic atmosphere, using the nature and dangers of the high mountains as an active "character" in the narrative. The camera and editing emphasize both the physical and psychological trials the characters face, and the visual style aims to put the viewer literally "on the edge" of the scenes.
In the lead role is Lily James, whom we will see as Naomi – a strong, vulnerable and determined heroine, whose internal conflict becomes key to the development of the story. Pierce Brosnan plays veteran mountaineer Ray Cooper, the father who influences the family dynamic. Supporting roles include Nell Tiger Free, Franz Rogowski, as well as other actors who enrich the plot with additional lines of danger and human tension.
Cliffhanger is an ambitious and adrenaline-fueled adaptation of the cult 90s action film that combines heart-wrenching personal battles with extreme mountain challenges. A strong cast, direction by Collette-Serra, and Alpine locations promise a tense experience that not only honors the original classic, but also brings a modern, human dimension to the story of survival and redemption.
