'Twisty' 70s crime thriller set for Netflix reboot five decades later


The Getaway originally aired at the end of 1972 and starred Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw as fugitives Doc and Carol McCoy


© Alamy Stock Photo
Abby Allen
Abby AllenTV writer
3 hours ago
Share this:

There's a new 70s reboot of a twisty crime thriller in the works – and we can't wait for this one to air! 

Netflix has confirmed it is adapting The Getaway, which first landed in December 1972 and starred Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw as married partners-in-crime Doc and Carol McCoy. 

Ali MacGraw and Steve McQueen in The Getaway© Alamy Stock Photo
Ali MacGraw and Steve McQueen in The Getaway

Not only is the Netflix adaptation directed by Philip Barantini, who helmed the streamer's smash hit Adolescence, but it's also written by Peter Craig, who has helped create The Town, The Batman and Top Gun: Maverick

The Getaway was based on the 1958 novel by Jim Thompson and centres around master thief Carter "Doc" McCoy. Stranded in a Texas prison, Doc's wife, Carol, strikes a deal with a corrupt politician named Jack Beynon to secure his parole. Intrigued? Keep reading for everything we know so far about the upcoming reboot. 

WATCH: The Best New TV In May

What to expect from The Getaway?

While we await the official synopsis, viewers can expect the new adaptation to follow the same plot as the original, which was based on the 1958 novel by Jim Thompson. 

After Doc and his wife rob a Texas bank to secure his release from prison, they face a deadly double-cross which forces them to go on the run as they're pursued by police forces and fellow criminals alike. 

Netflix is adapting the new movie © Alamy Stock Photo
Netflix is adapting the new movie

This isn't the first time The Getaway is being adapted, as the movie was remade in 1994 and starred Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger.

What did viewers say about The Getaway?

The 1972 movie became the eighth-highest-grossing film of the year in 1973 and currently holds an 83 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes. 

In one five-star review, one viewer said: "This is one of the best thrillers of the 70s. It sways between cool, brutal and arousing. McQueen is engrossing. Al Lettieri's character Rudi is genuinely menacing. The music by Quincy Jones adds perfectly to the suspense. It may not be as graphically violent as today's films but the underlying core of the movie is constantly threatening."

The new reboot comes five decades after the original© ullstein bild via Getty Images
The new reboot comes five decades after the original

Meanwhile, another said: "A classic crime flick. It's very much a 70s action crime movie mixed with a Bonnie and Clyde-style road movie escaping to the border after a robbery gone wrong. Really well-made all around."

A third added: "A great, largely underappreciated thriller very much in the Dirty Harry vein – with a number of novel plot twists to keep you on the edge of your seat!"

Will you be watching The Getaway?© Alamy Stock Photo
Will you be watching The Getaway?

Meet the creative team behind The Getaway

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the list of producers includes writer Peter Craig, alongside his partner Bryan Unkeless via the duo's Night Owl Stories. Meanwhile, Andrew Mittman (Wednesday) is joining for 1.21 along with director Philip Barantini and Samantha Beddoe via It's All Made Up.

The Getaway is yet to announce a release date, but we'll keep you posted as soon as we hear.

More TV and Film
See more