I just discovered this recent(ish) interview with Walter Hill conducted by Esquire back in February that is specifically about his view of The Warriors which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.
I felt very strongly that it certainly was not a very realistic book, and I wanted to make it even less so. I wanted to take it into a fantasy element, but at the same time add some contemporary flash – Walter Hill.
It’s a good read and there are some new insights into the making of the movie as well as confirmation of others (the whole extortion thing did happen!). The interview covers the budget and relationship with Paramount, problems with filming in New York, the vision and humour of the movie and the rumoured remake (which has apparently spent 3-4 times the original movie’s budget just on script-writing!).
You can check out the entire interview here.