Washington, Scott to remake 'Pelham'

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Denzel Washington has signed on to star in a remake of the 1974 thriller, "The Taking of Pelham 1, 2, 3."

The movie will be helmed by Tony Scott, who directed Washington in "Deja vu," "Man on Fire" and "Crimson Tide."

Set in contemporary New York, the film is about what happens when four hijackers take over a subway train and hold the passengers hostage for ransom, Variety.com said Monday.

Based on a novel by John Godey, the screenplay was written by "Spider-Man 4" author David Koepp.

The story was adapted for the big screen in 1974 with Walter Matthau playing the hero and for television in 1998 with Edward James Olmos in the starring role.

Shooting is to begin early next year.