'Boondock' sequel is off and running

Principal photography has started in Toronto on Troy Duffy's sequel to the 2000 indie he helmed and wrote, "The Boondock Saints."

Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus are reprising their roles as crusading fraternal twins Connor and Murphy MacManus, who seek revenge on the tough Boston underworld. Billy Connolly also is returning as Poppa M.

Chris Brinker and Don Carmody are producing, with Lloyd Segan and Rob Fried exec producing.

"It's a joy and a long time coming to be bringing such an enormously talented group of people back together again," Duffy said.

Brinker said the script will satisfy "Boondock" fans.

Rounding out the cast are Clifton Collins, Julie Benz, David Della Rocco, Bob Marley, Brian Mahoney and David Ferry.

Duffy became known in Hollywood for selling "Boondock" to Harvey Weinstein for a high-six-figure deal that would also allow him to direct and produce the soundtrack with his band the Brood. The project was set up on a $15 million budget but later dropped.

The first "Boondock," which starred Willem Dafoe, was later made for $6 million by Franchise Pictures and grossed $30,471 domestically, though it made a splash on video.

The project was chronicled in the 2003 documentary "Overnight," which told Duffy's rags-to-riches-to-rags saga. (partialdiff)