By Patrick Luce Nov 5, 2008, 11:20 GMT
Mickey Rourke, Ray Winstone, Jason Statham, Sam Riley, 50 Cent and Ray Liotta have all signed for roles in "13" - the English-language remake of the 2005 French psychological thriller "13 Tzameti."
Mickey Rourke set to join others on remake of French thriller. Mickey Rourke - 46th New York Film Festival Closing Night - "The Wrestler" Premiere - Arrivals - Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center - New York City, NY, USA © Sylvain Gaboury / PR Photos
Variety reports the French film picked up the grand jury prize for world cinema at the Sundance Film Festival. The remake will be written and directed by Gela Babluani (who handled writing and directing chores on the original), and production is set to start in New York on Nov. 20.
Riley ("Control") has signed for the main character – described as a young man discovers an underground Russian Roulette styled competition with the rich gambling on who lives or dies.
Rourke (who has created awards buzz with his performance in Darren Aronofsky's "The Wrestler") will take on the role of a convict in a Mexican prison. He is sold to the competition.
Winstone ("Edge of Darkness") is also a competitor in the game. His character has been taken from a mental institution. 50 Cent ("Righteous Kill") will handle the role of an employee of the competition who is assigned to take Rourke to the game.
Statham ("Transporter 3") will take on a rich British man betting on the competition, and Liotta ("Youth in Revolt") will be the cop trying to put an end to the game.
The remake will be produced by Overnight Prods.’ Rick Schwartz, Barbarian Films' Aaron Kaufman, and Valerio Morabito. It is being financed through Barbarian.
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