It’s been a while since there’s been much movement on Echelon, the film adaptation of Andy McNab’s Firewall, which follows the exploits of former SAS tough guy Nick Stone. For a while, according to Deadline, Eric Bana was the man for the job, but he’s no longer attached. His replacement? Someone with just a teensy bit of experience in action films. Say it with us: Staaaaaaaaathaaaam!
‘Tis true: Jason Statham is said to be interested in taking over the lead in the film, which finds stunt master Simon Crane (last seen working on the likes of Salt and Surrogates, stepping up from his usual job of overseeing the action and being second unit director, to the big gig.
Firewall is actually the third novel in the Stone series, which means the producers are thinking about this one as a likely franchise if it goes well. The plot finds Stone caught between the Russian mafia and British intelligence, who are all looking to get their paws on the Echelon computer program, a move that could unbalance global security.
McNab bashed out a draft of the script with John Connor (no, not that one; he’s fictional), and the filmmakers will be crossing their fingers that Statham signs on.