HOLLYWOOD, CA – Less than two days after a Japanese game show where people fall down a greased-up staircase took the internet by storm, Variety has reported that a big-budget Hollywood adaptation of Slippery Stairs is in the works – and will notably feature an exclusively white cast.
Producers say Slippery Stairs: America will maintain the simple format and tense action of the original program, with an ‘aesthetic overhaul’ to make it more accessible to North American audiences.
Six contestants in coloured bodysuits (Matt Damon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton, Scarlett Johansson, Emma Stone and Joseph Fiennes) carefully race to the top of a lubricated staircase, trying to maintain their footing and avoid their tumbling opponents.
Two announcers (Angelina Jolie and Christian Bale) provide commentary as the contestants try to ascend the stairs and reach a treasure chest (Death Note‘s Nat Wolff).
“Slippery Stairs: America will be everything you already love about that nine minute clip of the original game show, updated and re-imagined for the American screen, if you know what I mean,” said executive producer Ridley Scott, pumping his eyebrows.
“Some people would argue that we didn’t need to go to these lengths with our casting,” he admitted. “I mean, they’re all wearing bodysuits and helmets, you can barely see their faces and they don’t say or do anything except fall down the stairs, but there’s something about this particular cast… I don’t know, I just like knowing it’s them under there, and I think audiences will too.”
While originally slated to star in the remake, Game of Thrones actor Ed Skrein has reportedly turned down the role of the stairs, citing both ethical and safety concerns.
