THE HARDER THEY COME getting a remake

The Harder They Come, is set to get a remake from UK production company Film Xingu Films, Canada's Conquering Lion and Jamaican producer Justine Henzell.  The 1972 Jamaican classic starred reggae legend Jimmy Cliff as an aspiring musician lured into crime. The film is being produced by Henzell, Xingu's Trudie Styler and Alex Francis and Lion's Damon D'Oliveira and Clement Virgo and is the first film co-produced by the three countries.

The original was written and directed by Perry Henzell (Henzell's father  who died in 2006). D'Oliveira described the new version as "a re-imagining that will move to contemporary reggae and reggae-influenced grooves." The film will be set in Jamaica and London, and written by New Musical Express scribe Chris Salewicz, co-writer of Third World Cop (the most financially successful Caribbean pic) and books including "Bob Marley: The Untold Story." A draft of the script is plannned to be completed to attract buyers at Cannes and principal photography is targeted for 2012.

Here is what D'Oliveira said in a statement: 

"Next year is the 50th anniversary of Jamaica and the 40th anniversary of the original film, so the timing is perfect. 'The Harder They Come' was the first film to bring the real Jamaica to the world, and that spirit informs this new version."

Henzell is the rights holder and has been approached many times by companies with remake ideas, and said, "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."

I have not seen the original, but have heard good things. What are your thoughts on this news?