April 13, 2011 0:04

'The Harder They Come' to be remade by Trudie Styler

Original director's daughter is behind new version of reggae-themed classic

The Harder They Come is set to remade by Sting's wife Trudie Styler. The 1972 classic starred Jimmy Cliff as a reggae singer driven into a world of crime. Its soundtrack was widely credited with popularising reggae music with mainstream audiences in the 1970s.

According to Screendaily.com Styler's company Xingu Films has joined forces with Justine Henzell, whose father Perry Henzell directed the original film, for the project.

Styler said: "The Harder They Come is an iconic film with millions of fans around the world who will be watching what we’re doing very carefully. We want to keep what made the original so special, its freshness, humour, anger at social injustice, and love of Jamaican music and culture, but updated to reflect the Jamaican experience in 2011, including here in the UK."

She added: "Of course we’ll be putting together an exceptional soundtrack that will help introduce a modern exciting style of Jamaican music to the world."

Henzell said: "Over the years many people have approached us with remake ideas, but for the first time I am confident we have a team that will simultaneously honour the original while creating a new narrative worthy of the legacy."