PARIS– SND is teaming up with Paris-based producer Capture (The Flag) Films and U.K.’s Vertigo Films to produce Benjamin Rocher’s actioner “The Squad,” a remake of Nick Love’s “The Sweeney” that will topline Jean Reno (“The Professional”).
Reno will star as Buren, an old time cop who runs a squad In the Paris underworld and doesn’t play by the rules. When a heist turns into murder, Buren follows his guts and raids the house of Kasper, a former convict. The operation is carnage and Buren takes the fall for it. But when he realizes that the bank and the jewelry heist are part of a bigger operation, Buren with nothing to lose will play all in.
“Jean Reno, one of the most beloved French actors with a worldwide fan base, will bring all his charisma and depth to portray Buren, a tough police officer determined to do what it takes to catch the bad guys,” said Charlotte Boucon, head of international sales at SND.
Lionel Uzan, director of acquisitions and international sales at SND concurred.“Benjamin Rocher previous genre movies (“The Horde,” “Goal of the Dead”) were both knockouts. He has unique skills to set up edge of seat tension. We are confident he is the perfect director for this high-octane and entertaining action film.”
Uzan also noted that Vertigo Films has a track record in delivering high concept movies such as “Streetdance” and “Monsters.”
“We are tremendously excited to be turning ‘The Sweeney’ into this brilliant French version with the privilege of being able to work with one of our favorite actors, Jean Reno. Director Benjamin Rocher and producers SND and Capture (The Flag) Films have an incredible vision for this action packed movie set on the streets of Paris,” said James Richardson, co-founder of Vertigo Films.
Pic will start shooting in Paris in late October. The theatrical release is planned for the last quarter of 2015.
SND, the commercial arm of French TV group M6, will handle distribution in France and international sales rights. Vertigo Films will release the film in the U.K..
