Agyness Deyn, Richard Coyle to star in London-set Pusher remake

Vertigo/Embargo Films’ English-language remake of Nicolas Winding Refn’s 1996 thriller Pusher starts principal photography this weekend in east London.

Directed by Luis Prieto, the thriller, about a drug dealer who grows increasingly desperate after a botched deal leaves him with a large debt to a ruthless drug lord, stars model and actress Agyness Deyn (Clash Of The Titans), Richard Coyle (W.E., Prince of Persia), Bronson Webb (The Tudors, Robin Hood) and Paul Kaye (It’s All Gone Pete Tong).

Nicolas Winding Refn executive produces with Rupert Preston from Vertigo Films and Chris Simon and Felix Vossen from Embargo Films producing. International sales are handled by Gaumont International.

Winding Refn said: “Pusher was the film that launched my career and to have Luis Prieto direct the remake in London will be an exciting venture. It’s a classic tale with strong characters and has an engaging narrative. To see my characters, Frank and Tony in London, one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world, is an opportunity not to be missed. Vertigo Films is a great team. A remake of Pusher in London promises to be a powerful project that will excite the world.”

Prieto added: “I am delighted to be on board such an exciting project and having the chance to work with Nicolas Winding Refn. Pusher will be thrilling, funny, fast paced and visually striking.”

The original Copenhagen-set Pusher started Winding Refn’s trilogy, with part two following in 2004 and part three in 2005.

Meanwhile, Winding Refn’s Drive, starring Ryan Gosling, will have its world premiere in Cannes Competition.