The biggest twist in Cliffhanger 2 isn’t on the mountain. How did a promised Stallone comeback turn into a courtroom fight that could reshape the film before a single frame is shot?
What was billed as a high-altitude reunion has turned into a courtroom climb. Producers Neal H. Moritz and Toby Jaffe have sued financier Rocket Science, saying its failure to guarantee Sylvester Stallone’s pay stalled the planned 2023 shoot and helped push their star and initial director out. In the reshuffle, Pierce Brosnan and Lily James step into leading roles for a sequel now aiming at September 2026, a change that has chilled international rights sales. With the case unresolved and the company yet to answer the allegations, the film’s fortunes are being recalculated behind the scenes.
A sequel 33 years in the making
The original Cliffhanger arrived in 1993, an adrenaline-charged adventure that cemented Sylvester Stallone’s place in action movie history. Thirty-three years later, the long-anticipated sequel Cliffhanger 2 was announced with fanfare. Stallone was expected to return as Gabe Walker, but a sudden shift saw him exit the project. In his place, Pierce Brosnan and Lily James lead a reimagined narrative. The drastic change stems from a complicated legal battle that reshaped the production’s trajectory.
A lawsuit shakes the foundations
Producers Neal H. Moritz and Toby Jaffe filed suit against the financing company Rocket Science, alleging breach of contract. According to their complaint, the failure to secure Stallone’s guaranteed salary directly led to his exclusion. The dispute also coincided with major delays, with filming slated for fall 2023 never commencing. The turmoil extended behind the camera as well, with director Ric Roman Waugh notably absent from the embattled production.
A reshaped production
Following Stallone’s departure, the project pivoted quickly, installing Pierce Brosnan and Lily James in central roles. Brosnan plays a wholly different character from Stallone’s iconic Gabe Walker, signaling a shift in tone and story. The repercussions were immediate. International distributors reportedly showed reduced enthusiasm without Stallone’s involvement, leading to lower projections for international rights sales. Such changes risk diminishing appeal for long-time fans who hoped to see Stallone return.
Producers cry foul on promises
For Moritz and Jaffe, the issue transcends creative direction and centers on broken commitments. Their lawsuit cites multiple breaches, including non-payment of fees and disregard for prior agreements with the star and creative team. The conflict carries reputational stakes for all involved, as the dispute’s ripple effects widen. Rocket Science has not issued a formal response to the allegations, leaving accountability unresolved.
What lies ahead?
With the lawsuit ongoing and production advancing without Stallone, industry watchers question whether Cliffhanger 2 can win audiences amid turmoil and a restructured cast. Fans of the 1993 original may face a film that feels markedly different from what was first promised. For now, uncertainty defines this unexpected chapter in the sequel’s journey.