Jason Statham to reprise 'Crank' role

Actor on board for Lakeshore/Lionsgate sequel

By TATIANA SIEGEL

Jason Statham will reprise the role of hitman Chev Chelios in "Crank 2: High Voltage" for Lionsgate and Lakeshore Entertainment.

The two companies are also teaming on "Game," starring Gerard Butler. Michael C. Hall has signed on to co-star in the futuristic thriller.

Both films, which are being shot back to back, are written and directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, the team that created the 2006 sleeper hit "Crank."

Lionsgate will handle North American distribution, while Lakeshore will handle international distribution. Lakeshore will introduce the film to international buyers at this week's American Film Market.

In "Crank 2," Chelios faces a Chinese mobster who has stolen his nearly indestructible heart and replaced it with a battery-powered ticker that requires regular jolts of electricity to keep working.

Lakeshore's Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi, Skip Williamson and Richard Wright will produce.

"Game" is a high-concept thriller set in a dystopian future. Amber Valletta, Logan Lerman, Alison Lohman, John Leguizamo, Johnny Whitworth, Zoe Bell and Kyra Sedgwick round out the cast. Principal photography begins Nov. 5 in Albuquerque, N.M.

Rosenberg, Lucchesi and Williamson are producing.

Lionsgate distributed Lakeshore's "Crank" in North America in 2006 and recently acquired Lakeshore's "Midnight Meat Train," which is scheduled for release next year.

At AFM, Lakeshore is also handling international sales for Oliver Stone's "Pinkville," starring Bruce Willis, Woody Harrelson and Channing Tatum.

Read the full article at:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117974972.html

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