Hawkeye To Play Snake?

Rumors for a remake of "Escape From New York" have been up and down for years now. When it was first rumored to be happening, it was said that Gerard Butler was set to play Snake Plissken in the film. No one announced if it were true or not, only that a remake was in the works, with Breck Eisner directing and Allen Leob writting the script.
Now, years later, casting rumors have risen again. Back in June it was announced that Timothy Olyphant was set for the role. This time the rumors are saying that Jeremy Renner, who is set to play Hawkeye in "The Avengers" and join Tom Cruise in "Mission Impossible 4", will take on the role of Snake. Now I wonder if this is really a rumor or is this actually gonna happen?
Filming is said to begin early to mid next year for a 2012 release date.