` ` The Taking of Pelham 123 '' is re - release of the film . Denzel Washington stars as a transit official along with actor John Goodman . Washington : I wanted to make the character distinct from negotiator in ` ` Inside . ''
`` The Taking of Pelham 123 '' is re-imagining of 1974 film . Denzel Washington stars as N.Y. transit official negotiating with villain John Travolta . Washington : I wanted to make the character distinct from negotiator in `` Inside Man ''