“The Wicker Man” is one of those films I’ve been wanting to see for years and years, but never seem to get around to. I’ve deliberately avoided spoilers and discussions about it because I’m still hopeful about being able to see it without knowing anything going in, and it sounds like I could easily see the Nicolas Cage headed remake without risking that mindset. The courts may ultimately decide that Hardy, the original’s director, doesn’t have a leg to stand on with his lawsuit, but if I was working on a flick and the original creators were this appalled by it, I’d feel kinda crappy.

A Hollywood remake of the British cinema classic The Wicker Man is causing a furore among the team that created the original movie. One of its stars has branded it “a crime”, while the first film’s director, Robin Hardy, has called in lawyers in an attempt to distance himself from the new production.

The original film, recently voted the greatest cult movie of all time, is the latest in a growing list of US revamps for well-loved British movies. Alfie, The Italian Job and Get Carter have also been given an overhaul.

Mr Hardy called in legal help when he found his name was being trailed as one of the screenwriters for the new production, fearing it would jeopardise his own future production. He is preparing a new film, Cowboys for Christ, which will reunite some of the team from his film.

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