Summit Hires Jon and Erich Hoeber to Write "Red" Sequel

While I don’t think everyone quite realized it, probably due to some little vampire movie put out by the studio, Summit Entertainment had a pretty nice hit last year with its action film "Red." The film grossed over $150 million worldwide, and now it looks as it that was enough to warrant a sequel.

According to Collider, Summit has hired Jon and Erich Hoeber, who adapted the first film from the comic book, to write the sequel.

The first film, which was based in Warren Ellis' comic, had a stellar cast, with Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren starring as former CIA agents who are deemed "Red," as in retired, extremely dangerous. While none of the stars are yet confirmed for the sequel, chances are at least one or two of them will be returning.

Also, while the studio hasn't officially green lighted the film yet, things are starting to move in that direction considering the hiring of the duo, who also penned the upcoming Peter Berg film "Battleship."

The Hoeber's did a pretty good job on the first film, but I'm actually more intrigued to see what they did for Berg's "Battleship." That film has the potential to be one of the coolest movies ever or a huge bomb, considering its massive budget. While I think the film will do well these things can never be certain when it comes to box office success.

"Red" pleasantly surprised me and it think a sequel to the film could be even more successful than the original. If the studio digs the script, the project should get the official green light soon after.

Bruce Willis, Forest Whitaker Play "Catch .44"

Bruce Willis, Forest Whitaker, Malin Akerman and Kate Mara have signed on to star in the ensemble thriller "Catch .44."

According to Variety, first-time director Aaron Harvey will direct from his own script. Kate Mara also stars in the film.

The story focuses on three women--led by Akerman's character--being thrust into an extraordinary situation involving a psychopathic hitman, played by Whitaker, a grizzled trucker and a delusional line cook. Willis will play the head crime boss, the mastermind behind everything that happens.

While I don’t know much about Harvey, I do know that with a cast of stars like Willis, Whitaker and Akerman, this production is headed in the right direction. While the story sounds as if it could fall into some clichés, I think the actors will take over the characters and this film could end up being a nice surprise.

Shooting kicks off July 11, 2010 in Shreveport, Louisiana.