Suprised this hasnt been remade.

Most films actually aren't remade, but you're right, this is one that might have been an exception. But do you mean remake the film, or the play it's based on?

Most filmmakers would be shy about trying to remake a Billy Wilder film, especially if it was more or less a straight remake. But the play was very different and nowhere near as good -- Wilder made many changes to it. (During its Broadway run William Holden walked out on it after the first act.) I'm not sure filming the play would be of much interest. And the humor would of necessity have to be something you'd reasonably come across in the 40s.

Maybe someone like Quentin Tarantino might have done something interesting with a remake -- or at least, something weird. But he's already done his (remade) WWII movie, Inglorious Basterds.

Basically, I think we'll have to stick with the original. Why tamper with success?

Here's hoping they will keep it that way.

They did... It was called Hogans Heroes ;)

There was an announcement in 2007 that the play would be revived on Broadway, with Spike Lee directing; it was to be his first venture on Broadway. He released the following statement to the press: "This production will have a contemporary look, yet still stay true to the period and the original play." No one was quite sure what that meant, and further statements about changes he wanted to make to the play tended to mystify the theatrical community. And then, nothing; there was no revival, and there's been no further talk about remounting the show. Donald Bevan, the play's co-author (who said he was "thrilled" at the prospect of a revival), died earlier this year; his collaborator Edmund Trzcinski passed away in 1996.

Spike Lee finally made his directorial debut on Broadway in 2012; he staged and co-produced a one-man show starring (and about) Mike Tyson. It had a run of ten performances.

I see no reason why Stalag 17 should be remade as a film. With all the untold stories about World War II, why not do something new?

its better this way!
i dont think of a good remake if it would be done.