EXCLUSIVE: In the new action-thriller from John Wick producer Thunder Road, Gerard Butler is set to play a sniper who receives an anonymous threat over the radio and must race against a ticking clock in order to save his family and 70,000 fans at the biggest sporting event on the globe – the World Cup.

Black Bear is launching sales on the fun-sounding throwback movie at the upcoming Cannes market where it joins a few other packages in the $70-80M range.

From a script by Aaron Benjamin and based on real-life operatives, pic is being produced by Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee at Thunder Road, Gerard Butler, and Alan Siegel for G-BASE (Den of Thieves), and Steve Klinsky for Untravelled Worlds (Manhattan Night). Jon Hersh and Mahal Sourgose will executive produce.

The film will is due to begin production in early 2027. The director attachment is in process. CAA Media Finance is handling domestic. 

Butler is one of the few dependable action staples at markets over the last decade plus and is known for the Has Fallen, Greenland, Den Of Thieves and How To Train Your Dragon franchises.

Benjamin is a screenwriter and short story author. His action thriller feature script The Zone, has Paula Patton starring and Wade Eastwood directing. His thriller spec She Seems Nice is in development with Bread & Circuses Entertainment, which he adapted from his short story. He previously wrote Maverick, a biopic about John McCain’s time as a POW.  

Butler is represented by CAA and Alan Siegel Entertainment. Benjamin is represented by Verve and Night Drive Management.