In what may be the nuttiest concept for an action thriller since Face/Off, Michelle Rodriguez (Fast & Furious franchise, Girlfight, Machete) and her Avatar co-star Sigourney Weaver (Alien, Ghostbusters) are set to headline the gender-swapping noir Tomboy, A Revenger’s Tale. The film was announced today by producers Saïd Ben Saïd of SBS (Carnage, Maps to the Stars) and Michel Merkt.
From a story by Denis Hamill (Turk 182!), Tomboy will be written and directed by Walter Hill, the action legend behind tough guy flicks like 48 Hours, The Warriors and the more recent Sly Stallone vehicle Bullet to the Head. The film centers on a guy who’s an ace assassin (Rodriguez), who is double-crossed by gangsters and is transformed into a woman by a rogue surgeon known as “The Doctor,” to be played by Weaver. Now a hitwoman, he sets out for revenge, aided by a mysterious nurse named Johnnie.
The Solution Entertainment Group, co-founded by Lisa Wilson and Myles Nestel, is handling international sales on the project and will introduce it to buyers at the upcoming American Film Market. ICM is representing North American rights.
“We are beyond excited to be working with Walter, a renowned filmmaker known for producing the classic ‘Alien’ franchise who continues to break boundaries with this original script which has attracted a phenomenal cast and crew. We can’t wait to begin shooting and bring all these visionary and talented minds together,” said Ben Saïd and Merkt.
“Following the massive global success of this year’s ‘Furious 7,’ we are delighted to have Michelle Rodriguez on board to inhabit this strong-willed, empowered character in the action-filled thriller opposite the legendary Sigourney Weaver. With master filmmaker Walter Hill at the helm, this unique story keeps audiences guessing at every turn,” said Wilson and Nestel.
Tomboy, A Revenger’s Tale will begin shooting on November 9 in Vancouver, BC.
Weaver has a busy schedule for the next few years, reprising her role of Ellen Ripley in Neill Blomkamp’s untitled Alien 5, as well as returning (in some form) as Dr. Grace Augustine in James Cameron’s three planned Avatar sequels. She also has roles opposite Liam Neeson in J.A. Bayona’s fantasy A Monster Calls as well as a cameo in Paul Feig’s reboot of Ghostbusters.
Rodriguez is currently filming the drama Milton’s Secret with Donald Sutherland and is expected to reprise her role of Letty in Furious 8, to be directed by F. Gary Gray.
