Rumours Swirl Around Air Force One Sequel Development
London, 6 January 2026 – As Hollywood eyes potential reboots of classic films, the 1997 political thriller Air Force One, starring Harrison Ford as a heroic US President battling terrorists on his hijacked plane, is reportedly set for a sequel or remake. Industry insiders suggest Sony Pictures is developing a follow-up, potentially bringing back Ford in the role of President James Marshall.
Plot Summary of the Original Film
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen and written by Andrew W. Marlowe, Air Force One follows President James Marshall (Harrison Ford), who delivers a speech in Moscow vowing never to negotiate with terrorists. Shortly after boarding Air Force One with his family and advisers, the plane is hijacked by a group led by Ivan Korshunov (Gary Oldman), demanding the release of imprisoned dictator General Radek. Marshall, believed to have escaped, secretly remains on board and fights to retake control, leading to intense action sequences, including aerial combat with MiG fighters and a dramatic crash into the Caspian Sea.
Reception and Legacy
Released on 25 July 1997, the film grossed over £200 million worldwide and received positive reviews for its thrills, though critics noted clichéd elements. Roger Ebert praised Harrison Ford’s likability but called it a “recycling of familiar ingredients.” It earned nominations for Best Sound and Best Film Editing at the Oscars. The movie remains a staple of 1990s action cinema, often compared to Die Hard on a plane, and was reportedly screened by former US President Bill Clinton.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Wolfgang Petersen |
| Writer | Andrew W. Marlowe |
| Main Cast | Harrison Ford (President James Marshall), Gary Oldman (Ivan Korshunov), Glenn Close (Vice President Kathryn Bennett), Wendy Crewson (Grace Marshall), Xander Berkeley (Gibbs) |
| Release Date | 25 July 1997 |
| Box Office Gross | Over £200 million worldwide |
| IMDb Rating | 6.5/10 |
| Rumoured Sequel | In development by Sony Pictures, possibly starring Harrison Ford again; unclear if remake or sequel |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Air Force One based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional political action thriller, though it draws inspiration from real-world concerns about presidential security and terrorism.
Who are the key actors in the film?
The main stars include Harrison Ford as the President, Gary Oldman as the terrorist leader, and Glenn Close as the Vice President, supported by actors like Wendy Crewson, Xander Berkeley, and William H. Macy.
What challenges might a sequel face?
A sequel could struggle with the original’s conclusive ending, involving the plane’s crash, and modern sensitivities around terrorism depictions. Recasting or aging actors like Ford, now 83, would also be considerations.