From Collider · André Joseph · · 2m
Jason Statham's Remake Outshines Burt Reynolds' Version
Jason Statham's Wild Card remake of William Goldman's Heat beats Burt Reynolds' original in action, authenticity, and star power.
In brief
Jason Statham's Wild Card remake of William Goldman's Heat beats Burt Reynolds' original in action, authenticity, and star power. Jason Statham's 2015 Wild Card adaptation of William Goldman's Heat outperforms Burt Reynolds' 1986 Heat with better action, chemistry, and star power. Originally reported by Collider.
Jason Statham's Wild Card
Jason Statham's 2015 Wild Card remake of William Goldman's Heat outperforms Burt Reynolds' 1986 Heat in action, authenticity, and star power.
William Goldman's Heat Novel
William Goldman's 1985 novel Heat explores a former mercenary-turned-bodyguard in Las Vegas with gambling addiction and a desire to flee to Venice.
Burt Reynolds' Heat
Burt Reynolds' 1986 Heat adaptation struggled with Reynolds' fading star power and creative issues, becoming an infamous footnote in his career.
Jason Statham's Performance
Jason Statham portrays Nick Wild as a more believable prime badass with proficient martial arts skills and charming wit.
Burt Reynolds' Performance
Burt Reynolds' Heat performance mirrored his career decline in 1986, playing Nick as a burned-out warrior exhausted by the thrills.
Director Simon West
Simon West, who previously worked with Jason Statham on The Expendables 2 and The Mechanic, directed Wild Card with a focus on Statham's physicality.
Action Sequences
Wild Card features more intense action sequences with bullet-time effects, unlike Heat's slow-motion shots to hide Reynolds' physical limitations.
Supporting Cast
Wild Card's supporting cast includes Milo Ventimiglia as Danny DeMarco, Hope Davis as Cassandra, and Michael Angarano as Cyrus, with stronger chemistry than Heat's cast.
Cyrus Character
Michael Angarano's Cyrus in Wild Card has a strong apprentice-like relationship with Nick Wild, contrasting Peter MacNichol's softer role in Heat.
Box Office Performance
Wild Card did not do strong enough business in theaters to warrant a new franchise, but Statham's performance added to his credibility as a modern action star.
Release Date
Wild Card was released on January 14, 2015, after William Goldman's 1985 novel Heat.
Film Runtime
Wild Card has a runtime of 92 minutes, longer than Heat's 100-minute runtime.
Key Differences
Wild Card's more cohesive actor/director partnership and Statham's physicality make it a superior adaptation to Heat.
Why Wild Card Wins
Statham's performance as Nick Wild is more believable and action-driven than Reynolds' portrayal of Nick Escalante in Heat.
What Happens Next
Statham's Wild Card performance adds to his credibility as a modern action star, appearing in newer films like A Working Man and The Beekeeper.
What to remember
Jason Statham's 2015 Wild Card adaptation of William Goldman's Heat outperforms Burt Reynolds' 1986 Heat with better action, chemistry, and star power.
