Lionsgate Picks Up 'Transporter 3' Package

Zap2It.com | June 3, 2008

Jason Statham, 'Transporter 2'

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Thanksgiving release set for Jason Statham vehicle

Lionsgate has grabbed domestic (and Canadian) distribution for "Transporter 3," starring the studio's guardian angel Jason Statham.

The first two "Transporter" films were distributed by 20th Century Fox and they've combined to take in roughly $130 million worldwide.

Olivier Megaton is taking over the directing chores from Louis Leterrier, but the "Transporter 3" plot is expected to be every bit as lean as on the first two. In fact, Lionsgate just says, "Jason Statham returns as Frank Martin, the ex-Special Forces operative who specializes in high-risk deliveries."

Fair enough.

The sequel's cast also includes Robert Knepper ("Prison Break") and Francois Berleand ("Place Vendome"). The project, produced by EuropaCorp, shot last month and has moved into post-production with a Nov. 26, 2008 release planned.

"We are thrilled to be in business with EuropaCorp and to also partner again with Jason Statham, who from 'War' to 'Crank' and its upcoming sequel, is a well known and well-loved leading man in so many of Lionsgate's high octane action films," says Jason Constantine, Lionsgate's head of acquisitions. "We are delighted to add another film in the exciting 'Transporter' action franchise to stand alongside such other iconic Lionsgate franchises as 'Saw,' Tyler Perry and 'The Punisher.'"

EuropaCorp COO Pierre-Ange Le Pogam adds, "Lionsgate is a dynamic group, who we know will more than do justice to our dearest 'Transporter' opus 3. Everyone here is working hard to get ready to provoke and inflame the market for Thanksgiving."