OLD GUY: Christoph Waltz Leads New Action Comedy From ‘Con Air’ Director
Christoph Waltz (No Time to Die, Big Eyes, Inglourious Basterds) is set to star in Old Guy, a new action comedy from director Simon West (The Expendables 2, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, The Mechanic). Highland Film Group is co-financing and handling worldwide rights on the pic at this year’s EFM, with cameras looking to roll in early 2023 in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
West directs from a script by Greg Johnson (The Last Son), the story of Terry Eubanks (Waltz), an aging contract killer who still believes he’s the best at what he does. Stuck at a dead end, Terry is thrilled when The Company pulls him back in the field, but only to train Gen Z newcomer Wihlborg, a prodigy assassin with an attitude. The mismatched duo is asked to eliminate top members of a competing crime syndicate and, in the process, uncover their employer’s true motive: removing the old guard in a full takeover. However, The Company didn’t anticipate that Terry’s experience coupled with the kid’s brilliance would create such an unlikely bond between the two, enabling them to turn it all back on The Company.
The film reteams West and Johnson with Jib Polhemus (The Last Son, The Expendables 2) who will produce the pic next to Martin Brennan (One Way, Zone 414), and with Dark Castle Entertainment’s Hal Sadoff (The Nice Guys, Orphan: First Kill) and Norman Golightly (Lord of War, Ghost Rider).
“It’s very rare that a script like this one comes along. When it does you have to grab it with both hands and don’t let it go until you find your perfect actor. I’ve wanted to work with Christoph Waltz for many years. He is one of the most versatile actors working today. I can’t wait to see him create yet another unique and iconic character,” noted Director Simon West.
“Working with such an incredibly talented actor as two-time Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz is a dream come true. He is a phenomenal performer and will brilliantly capture the spirit of the veteran contract killer who forms an unlikely bond with the plucky young upstart,” said Highland Film Group CEO Arianne Fraser. “Simon West is the perfect director to bring this action-packed comedy to life. The film is loaded with global appeal and we cannot wait for cameras to roll on this exciting project,” added Highland Film Group COO Delphine Perrier.
The Django Unchained Alita: Battle Angel and the James Bond villain vet, also lended his voice to Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio and will also soon be seen starring in the upcoming fantasy-adventure film The Portable Door. He will next be seen leading the limited series “The Consultant” for Amazon.
Aside from making a name for himself directing some of the most notable action films of the last few decades, additionally including Con Air, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and the Jason Statham led revamp of action classic The Mechanic, West most recently directed Prime Video’s Spanish mini-series “Boundless.”
Highland’s current sales slate also lists William Eubank’s action thriller Land of Bad, Ben Brewer’s survival action-thriller Sand and Stones, Rod Blackhurst’s Blood For Dust, Adam Cooper’s crime thriller Sleeping Dogs, Rusty Cundieff’s 57 Seconds, John Stalberg Jr.’s Muzzle and Adrian Grünberg’s shark actioner The Black Demon.
Native New Yorker. Been writing for a long time now, and I enjoy what I do. Be nice to me!