Ewan McGregor to Star in Crime Drama 'Son of a Gun'

Ewan McGregor

LONDON -- Julius Avery’s Australian crime thriller Son of a Gun, starring Ewan McGregor, will be touted to buyers during the American Film Market, with a shoot start date in early 2013.

our editor recommends

Will Clarke Forms Altitude Film Entertainment With James Watkins Aboard

Ewan McGregor to Play Julia Roberts' Husband in 'August: Osage County'

The movie, billed as a visceral, tautly paced heist thriller, centers on a complex relationship between Australia’s public enemy No. 1 (McGregor) and his young protégé.

It will be sold to North American buyers by UTA Independent Film Group and internationally by high-profile U.K. start-up sales, finance and production banner Altitude Film Entertainment.

Hopscotch/eOne has inked a deal for Australian and New Zealand rights.

STORY: Ewan McGregor Receives Donostia Award at San Sebastian

Avery will direct the film, based on his original screenplay, with Timothy White (Two Hands) producing through Australian banner Southern Light Films.

Aaron Gilbert of Media House Capital serves as executive producer.

Altitude Film Sales managing director Mike Runagall said Avery's film combines the "tension and intensity of Animal Kingdom with the epic sweep of Heat."

Financing is being provided by Media House Capital and ScreenWest. The movie is slated to shoot on location in Perth and Kalgoorlie.

Avery is being cited as the next Australian breakout director, following in the footsteps of David Michod and Justin Kurzel. He is repped by UTA, Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Bryce Menzies at Australian firm Marshalls & Dent.

McGregor is in production on John Wells' adaptation of August: Osage County opposite Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. He also will star in Warner Bros.’ Jack the Giant Killer, a modern take on the Jack and the Beanstalk fable directed by Bryan Singer and due in 2013.

He also stars in Juan Antonio Bayona's tsunami family drama The Impossible, touted as an awards-season contender.

He is repped by UTA, United Agents in the U.K. and Robert Offer of Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.