New Maniac Cop Remake Sets Revival Next Year After Years In Development

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Matt Cordellis set to rampage again.

Released in 1988, Maniac Cop is a classic action-horror film directed by William Lustig. It tells the story of Cordell, a police officer brought back to life after being murdered (played by Robert Z’Dar). He returns as a seemingly unstoppable, supernatural killer seeking revenge on the corrupt politicians who killed him. Starring Bruce Campbell, the film was a hit despite its low budget and led to two sequels. However, after a difficult production of Maniac Cop III in 1992, the series appeared to be finished.

After years of waiting, Maniac Cop is getting a new movie! Director Nicholas Winding Refn, known for Drive, is finally moving forward with a reboot, funded by Mubi, who plan to release it in theaters. The film, also co-produced by Goodfellas, is expected to start filming in Los Angeles in January 2027, and casting announcements are still to come (according to Deadline).

The idea of bringing back Maniac Cop as a movie first surfaced in 2016. It later shifted to become an HBO series with Nicolas Winding Refn as a producer. Now, Refn will direct a new Maniac Cop feature film. He recently explained that he believes the story is particularly timely and relevant for today’s audiences.

Refn explained that the idea has always interested him. He believes the imagery of Maniac Cop is particularly striking given the current political and social environment, creating an instant sense of discomfort. He’s been developing this project secretly, anticipating the right moment, and now feels it’s arrived. He’s ready to share a bold new approach that offers no security, only chaos.

Look, as a critic, I’ve seen a lot of remakes, and frankly, most don’t need to exist. But Mubi’s Efe Cakarel really gets it with Nicolas Winding Refn’s take on Maniac Cop. He doesn’t see it as a remake at all – he calls it a ‘resurrection,’ and that’s exactly how it feels. Cakarel believes Refn has one of the most inventive minds working today, and that he’s uniquely positioned to bring this classic back to life in a way that’s both striking and unforgettable. Mubi is clearly thrilled to be involved in something so ambitious and, frankly, impossible to look away from.

Goodfellas CEO Vincent Maraval stated, “We’ve worked with Nicolas for years, and he’s the perfect person to reimagine this classic story. This isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a completely fresh and terrifying take. With Mubi’s strong support, Maniac Cop has the potential to become a major, internationally appealing genre film that both distributors and viewers will be eager to see.”

Nicolas Winding Refn, the director behind the upcoming Maniac Cop reboot, is at the Cannes Film Festival promoting Her Private Hell, his first movie since 2016’s The Neon Demon.

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2026-05-23 19:38