Statham & Hart in talks to lead assassin comedy The Man From Toronto

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

While every Jay has his hetero life-mate like Silent Bob, Hart is trading in Dwayne Johnson for his HOBBS & SHAW nemesis Jason Statham! Fun fact: all three appeared together in that film together!

The newly-announced action-comedy project that has Statham and Hart in talks to star hails from THE EXPENDABLES 3 and THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD director Patrick Hughes. Titled THE MAN FROM TORONTO, the story tells of what happens when the world’s deadliest assassin, known as ‘The Man from Toronto’, and Teddy, New York’s biggest screw-up, are mistaken for each other in a rented Airbnb? The Man from Toronto and Teddy are forced to team up and save the day, but the real question is, will they survive each other?

Hughes will direct from a script penned by Robbie Fox (PLAYING FOR KEEPS) based on a story he'd whipped up with Jason Blumenthal. Set to produce the Odd Couple-like comedy are Todd Black, Blumenthal, and Steve Tisch via their Escape Artists studio with Bill Bannerman serving as executive producer.

Currently, Hart can be found starring alongside Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan in Sony's JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL, which is still playing in select theaters now. His next acting endeavor is for the Paul Weitz-directed drama FATHERHOOD, which centers on a father who brings up his baby girl as a single dad after the unexpected death of his wife who died a day after their daughter's birth. That film is currently in post-production, with a theatrical premiere date set for January 15, 2021.

As for Statham, the Shirebrook-born badass recently completed his role as H for Guy Ritchie's action-crime drama FAST TRUCK. The plot follows H (Statham), a cold and mysterious character working at a cash truck company responsible for moving hundreds of millions of dollars around Los Angeles each week. The upcoming film also stars Josh Hartnett, Scott Eastwood, and MINDHUNTER alum Holt McCallany.

Oh boy, Hart working alongside Statham, eh? Is it me or does this almost feel as if Hart is cheating on his Jumanji and CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE co-star Dwayne Johnson? Oh to be a fly on the wall when Statham calls Johnson to ask for all the dirt on Hart pertaining to his behind-the-scenes shenanigans. Here's hoping that Hart can withstand the might of both Statham and Johnson ripping into him at every turn, even though I'm positive that the comedian has an arsenal of jokes all his own.

 THE MAN FROM TORONTO is set for a November 20, 2020 release via Sony Pictures.