2015 isn't just a big year for blockbuster sequels and tentpoles based on pre-established intellectual properties - it's also a major year for reboots/remakes. Such horror franchises as Amityville and Friday the 13th are getting a (or, rather, another) fresh start next year, as will the Fantastic Four superhero/comic book movie series. In addition, 20th Century Fox will unleash its remake of 1980s supernatural horror title Poltergeist, while Universal has only just added the Point Break remake to the 2015 release slate.

The new Point Break is written by Kurt Wimmer (who also co-penned the Total Recall remake) and directed by Ericson Core. The latter was helmer on the underdog sports tale Invincible, as well as director of photography on the original Fast and the Furious installment - considered by many people to be an unofficial remake of Oscar-winner Kathryn Bigelow's original Point Break, as it were. Seems appropriate enough.

Luke Bracey (G.I. Joe: Retaliation) is starring as F! B! I! Agent! Johnny Utah in the remake, while we only just learned yesterday that free-spirited bank robber/adrenaline junkie Bodhi is going to be played by Édgar Ramírez (Wrath of the Titans), replacing Gerard Butler. Other cast members include Ray Wintstone (Noah), taking over the role of "Pappas" (or, at the least, a character similar to him) that was handled by Gary Busey in Bigelow's film.

Luke Bracey and Édgar Ramírez to star in Point Break
Luke Bracey and Édgar Ramírez are headlining 'Point Break' (2015)

Universal has scheduled Point Break to hit U.S. theaters on August 7th, 2015, where it will face Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed and the Goosebumps book series adaptation (starring Jack Black as R.L. Stine). Truth be told, it's difficult to imagine that Assassin's Creed won't come out the victor in that showdown with Point Break, given the source game's large fanbase - not to mention, it has Michael Fassbender as leading man. Universal clearly recognizes that Point Break is best fit for the season of popcorn fun, but that doesn't guarantee that the remake won't end up being one of 2015's box office washout stories.

Of course, 2015 is going to be a competitive year for movies, no matter which month they arrive during. That would explain why 20th Century Fox has also just pulled Alvin and the Chipmunks 4 from December 2015 - where it would've had to compete with the likes of Star Wars: Episode VII and Kung Fu Panda 3 - and moved it to December 16th, 2016 instead. Probably a smart move, that one.

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Point Break opens in U.S. theaters on August 7th, 2015.

Source: Universal