Jason Statham to Join Melissa McCarthy in Fox’s ‘Susan Cooper’
After flirting with the project last fall, Jason Statham is ready to team up with Melissa McCarthy as an unlikely spy duo in 20th Century Fox’s “Susan Cooper.”
Reports in October indicated that Statham had met with director Paul Feig but the actor was uncommitted as he was still weighing other options. Sources now confirm Statham has agreed to co-star in the project and that a deal should be made shortly.
In the comedy that reteams McCarthy and Feig yet again (“The Heat,” “Bridesmaids”), the story follows the adventures of an unlikely spy, Susan Cooper. Statham will play another spy McCarthy teams up with.
Feig also wrote the script and will produce with Peter Chernin and Jenno Topping through their Chernin Entertainment banner. Jessie Henderson is an exec producer.
Known more for his serious action pics like “The Expendables” franchise and his most recent effort “Homefront,” the Fox film give Statham a chance to show his comedic chops, something he dabbled in for Guy Ritchie’s punchy “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch.”
The CAA-repped actor has a handful of films wrapped up including “Heat,” which he is producing as well as “The Expendables 3.” Statham will also be seen as the villain in “The Fast and Furious 7″ in April 2015.
Related stories
Melissa McCarthy Robs a Burger Joint in 'Tammy' Trailer
'Transporter' TV Series to Air on TNT
10 Directors to Watch: Ben Falcone's Debut Stars Wife Melissa McCarthy
Get more from Variety.com: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter
Solve the daily Crossword
