Hot Topics:

Hallyday, Testud join 'Vengeance'

Johnnie To directs ARP, Media Asia thriller

Russian producers to slash costs

'Over There' wins in Thessaloniki

'Button' undone by digital dilemma

Vera Farmiga flies to Reitman's 'Air'

Anand Tucker jumps at 'Leap Year'

'Burn Notice' gets renewal(1325 views)

Swiss OK Polanski move to chalet(889 views)

Pearce hops on to 'Hungry Rabbit Jumps'(731 views)

'It' is 3D's lost opportunity(690 views)

Ninja Assassin(643 views)

Veteran French rocker Johnny Hallyday and French actress Sylvie Testud are to star in Hong Kong-set crime thriller "Vengeance," helmed by Johnnie To.

Pic, about a French assassin-turned-chef who comes to Hong Kong to avenge a murder, is set up as an ARP production in partnership with Hong Kong shingle Media Asia and produced by Milkyway Image.

Scripted by Wai Ka-fai, "Vengeance" has begun lensing in Hong Kong and is skedded for delivery next summer. It also stars To regulars Anthony Wong, Simon Yam, Lam Suet and Lam Ka Tung.

For To, pic is the continuation of a love-in between France and Asia, but a change of project. The helmer was ramping up to shoot a remake of French classic "Le Cercle Rouge" with Studio Canal and the Hong Kong thriller "Death of a Hostage."

According to a spokesman for Milkyway, "Le Cercle Rouge" is still in development while shooting has halted on "Hostage" while the director's focus shifts to "Vengeance."