Soderbergh, Carano to make a 'Knockout' pairing

By Adnan Tezer Sep 7, 2009, 19:08 GMT

Gina Carano - Written by Lem Dobbs, “Knockout” stars Carano as a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who is given a chance to use her fighting skills for constructive purposes. Soderbergh considers the film as an action film in the James Bond mold, and will shoot in locations around the world that include Ireland, Turkey and the U.S. © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

Director Steven Soderbergh will direct “Knockout,” a spy thriller that will mark the screen starring debut of Gina Carano, the mixed martial arts circuit fighter. 

According to Variety, Relativity Media will fully finance, and Soderbergh plans a late January production start.

Written by Lem Dobbs, “Knockout” stars Carano as a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who is given a chance to use her fighting skills for constructive purposes. Soderbergh considers the film as an action film in the James Bond mold, and will shoot in locations around the world that include Ireland, Turkey and the U.S.

Dobbs previously wrote “Kafka” and “The Limey” for Soderbergh.

Soderbergh will surround Carano will name actors in supporting roles. 

The MMA circuit is where Soderbergh discovered Carano. The Muay Thai-trained fighter has compiled a 7-1 record. Though Carano suffered her first loss in a title fight last month, she is considered the face of the women’s mixed martial arts fighting circuit.

The film will be produced by Gregory Jacobs, Soderbergh’s longtime collaborator. Relativity president Ryan Kavanaugh will also be a producer, and Tucker Tooley is executive producer.

In his deal, Soderbergh waived his upfront salary and will share any ownership stake with Relativity Media.

Soderbergh most recently directed “The Girlfriend Experience,” a film that starred porn star Sasha Grey in her first performance in a legit film.

Carano has appeared as herself in the documentary “Ring Girls” and the Oxygen reality series “Fight Girls.” She was also on NBC’s “American Gladiators,” and had a role in the upcoming Michael Jai White action film “Blood and Bone.”