Earlier this week, we reported that the producers behind the remake of Red Dawn were digitally changing the film's main villain to North Korea in order to secure international distribution to the remake's original evil country, China.  For those unfamiliar with the plot, the story centers on a group of teenagers who defend their town from an invading communist force.The film was set to be released last November, but was put on the shelf due to MGM's bankruptcy.  Producers are now looking for a new distributor and they're willing to change the villain in order to make the movie more appealing to international distributors who know that China has some serious spending power.  I found the change to be ludicrous and racially insensitive, but producer Tripp Vinson has let me know that the remake of Red Dawn isn't for me and that top men have said North Korea is a viable threat.  Top men.  Hit the jump for Vinson's angry missive and my response.red-dawn-remake-posterHere's what Vinson told AICN about changing the villains in the remake:

I know there is a lot of interest and questions as to the changes announced regarding Red Dawn.

This movie has been rebooted because the filmmakers all love the original movie. The experience of seeing Red Dawn as a young boy in the middle of a Cold War, was life changing for me and a generation. I assure you that everyone involved with the reboot is keenly aware of the responsibility of delivering a movie that can stand eye to eye with the original.

The changes made to Red Dawn in the last few weeks were made in consultation with military think tanks and people that specialize in game theory. Really smart people that spend their days constructing doomsday scenarios for our military and government. The type of people that know the limitations of the North Korean military. The type of people that can project a series of events that could lead to some very scary things happening to our Country. I can assure you, we listened well to those people, especially with regards to the capability of the North Korean military.

Red Dawn isn’t for everyone. So, if you are interested in seeing a movie filled with preachy political discussions - Red Dawn ain’t for you. If you love movies in which Americans are the bad guys - Red Dawn ain’t for you. If you get emotional watching daytime television - Red Dawn ain’t for you. If you’re a vegetarian - Red Dawn probably ain’t for you.

But! If you like meat with your potatoes, muscle cars that roar, tanks, guns and things blowing the fuck up by American’s kicking some Commie ass – then we have something special coming your way.

WOLVERINES!

Oooh!  Game theory!  I've heard about that!  Question: why didn't you talk to the "really smart people" before you made the movie?  Also, how is that information going to be conveyed to audiences?  Will there be a title card reading: "A bunch of policy nerds told us that theoretically, North Korea could be a bigger threat to the U.S. than China.  Believe that.  They know game theory n' shit."

I also like how he basically sings "America: Fuck Yeah!" and tells people that if you like your movies complicated, then you're a giant pussy who needs to go back to your arugula and let the real men watch the remake of Red Dawn.  Also, what does being a vegetarian have to do with your enjoyment of the movie?  What is the importance of meat in the narrative?