In an exclusive announcement, it has been revealed that Jason Statham, known for his roles in the “Fast & Furious” franchise, is set to headline a new action-thriller directed by Baltasar Kormákur, famed for his work on “Everest.” The project, which remains untitled, is being launched by Black Bear at the Cannes market this week.
Statham will portray the character of Mason, a man living in seclusion on a remote Scottish island. His solitary existence is disrupted when he rescues a young girl during a violent storm, triggering a series of events that force him to confront his past.
Filming is slated to begin in November in the UK and Iceland, with production services provided by Kormákur’s RVK Studios in Reykjavik. The screenplay is penned by Ward Parry.
The film boasts a strong production team, with Statham producing for Punch Palace Productions, Kormákur for RVK Studios, and John Friedberg for Black Bear. Jon Berg and Greg Silverman, formerly of Warner Bros., represent Stampede Ventures, who developed the project. Teddy Schwarzman and Michael Heimler serve as executive producers for Black Bear.
The announcement comes as Black Bear presents the film to potential buyers at Cannes, with U.S. rights being co-represented alongside Range Select.
Statham, a stalwart in the action genre, is fresh off the success of “The Beekeeper,” directed by David Ayer, which has grossed $150 million worldwide. He is currently collaborating with Ayer on “Levon’s Trade” and is slated to begin production on “Mutiny” with Jean-Francois Richet in September.
Kormákur, renowned for films such as “2 Guns” and “Contraband,” is gearing up for the release of “Touch” this summer via Focus Features.
Black Bear has a slew of projects lined up for the Cannes market, including David Michôd’s Christy Martin biopic, Gregg Araki’s thriller “I Want Your Sex,” and the high-profile thriller “77 Blackout,” starring Mahershala Ali and Tom Hardy, from director Cary Joji Fukunaga and producer Charles Roven.
John Friedberg of Black Bear expressed excitement about the collaboration, citing Statham’s prowess in action sequences and Kormákur’s dynamic filmmaking style. He anticipates introducing audiences to the character of Michael Mason in this thrilling new franchise.
