Jean Reno to Star in Tom Edmunds’ Action-Thriller ‘The Butler’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Jean Reno is attached to headline the action-thriller “The Butler,” directed by Tom Edmunds (“Dead in a Week: Or Your Money Back”). The stylish period film will deliver a fresh twist on the revenge thriller genre, combining high-octane action with upstairs/downstairs family drama.
Additional casting will be announced shortly.
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Daniel Baur’s K5 Intl., whose recent films include Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga,” has boarded “The Butler” as its international sales agent and will commence sales at Berlinale’s European Film Market. Principal photography is anticipated to commence in Ireland early summer 2025.
In “The Butler,” Reno takes on the role of a retired World War I commando who has traded a life of violence for the serene routine of a family butler. When mobsters arrive to collect on an unpaid debt, his tranquil world is torn apart, forcing him to confront his past in a pulse-pounding showdown.
Edmunds said: “With ‘The Butler,’ we’re crafting something truly unique—a period action-thriller that’s equal parts ‘Downton Abbey’ and ‘Die Hard.’ Jean Reno brings unparalleled gravitas to the role, blending his iconic action-hero credentials with a sense of refinement and humanity that is perfect for this character.”
The producers behind “The Butler” include Christopher Tuffin, Kevin DeWalt, Ari Novak and Kevin Townsend. It is a Strong Island, Brick Lane and Minds Eye production.
Tuffin, who has worked closely with Luc Besson’s team on several films, emphasized Reno’s lasting impact on the genre: “Without Jean Reno, there is no revenge thriller genre. To work with him on this project is an absolute honor.” Tuffin’s producing credits include “Sound of Freedom,” starring Jim Caviezel, which became a global box office hit, as well as “Peppermint,” starring Jennifer Garner, with a number of other high-profile projects in the pipeline. He most recently wrapped the high-seas actioner “Alphas” with XYZ.
Amanda Delaplaine, Nadezda Motina, Aram Ovannisyan, Tom Edmunds, Chris Ochs and Andrew Bates will executive produce, alongside Todd Slater and Brandon Evans on behalf of Brick Lane, who also serves as the production service company in Ireland.
Strong Island’s production and finance legal/business affairs will be handled by Jere R. Hausfater and Larry Weinberg. Reno is repped by CAA and Gateway Management. Edmunds is managed by Strong Island.
K5 Intl. continues to build momentum with its varied slate of projects. Their first release, “Horizon: An American Saga,” debuted at the Cannes Film Festival and enjoyed a theatrical release in 2024, with its second chapter having premiered at the Venice Film Festival last year.
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