Luc Besson just can’t stop himself from coming up with high concept projects. And now he’s nabbed another actor for one of the next movies to come rattling off his production company's conveyer belt, with former Lost actress (and Besson veteran after Taken) Maggie Grace signing up to work on **Lock Out.
Guy Pearce is already attached in the lead, playing a man who is falsely convicted of espionage against the US in a near-future society. He’s offered a chance at freedom if he’ll take on One Big Mission. Cue a blend of Escape From New York, Fortress and half a dozen other sci-fi action thrillers, as he has to rescue the president’s daughter (Grace) from a hi-tech outer-space prison that has been overrun by its violent inmates. Because of course presidential offspring so often hang out in those locales.
According to Deadline, Besson developed the story with writer/co-directors James Mather and Stephen St Leger, and he’ll produce the film through Europacorp, with Sony now in talks to distribute the thing once it’s finished shooting. The madness kicks off next month.
Grace, meanwhile, is looking to stay in the Besson family, since she’s attached to Taken 2. Wonder what particular set of skills Liam Neeson will utilise this time? We bet Extreme Pet-Sitting.
**Update: **The Wrap (which is also calling exclusive on the news of Grace's casting) now reports that Tom Hollander and Peter Stomare are also aboard the film.