Nicolas Cage to Star in Action-Revenge Thriller 'Tokarev' for Hannibal Classics

Nicolas Cage has signed on to star in Hannibal Classics' action-revenge thriller Tokarev.

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Cage, who long has been interested in the role, was involved in the search for the film's director -- which will be up-and-coming Spanish filmmaker Paco Cabezas.

Hannibal, which is handling worldwide sales in Berlin, is eyeing a May production start in Spokane, Wash.

Hannibal’s Richard Rionda Del Castro will produce in association with North by Northwest Entertainment. Executive producers are Patricia Eberle, Richard Salvatore, Cage, Mike Nilon, Hayley Magouirk, Jim Agnew, Sean Keller, Cam Cannon, David Milner and Martin Barab.

Rionda Del Castro described the film as “a perfect Cage vehicle, with strong characters who are put through the ringer.”

Written by Agnew and Keller, the story centers on a former criminal searching for his daughter’s kidnappers.

Cabezas made his feature film debut with the 2007 horror film The Appeared, which was distributed domestically by IFC Films. His follow-up, Neon Flesh, screened at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.

“We worked very closely to find a director who would be a great storyteller and bring a unique vision to the film,” says Rionda Del Castro. “It was a lengthy process, and in the end, we believe we’ve found in Cabezas an extremely talented artist who will craft an excellent film.” Andrzej Sekula also is confirmed as director of photography, along with Laurent Eyquem as music composer; a second unit director is being negotiated.

Rionda Del Castro and Eberle’s recent credits include Casino Jack, The Son of No One and Set Up.

Cage is repped by CAA and attorney Patrick Knapp of Bloom Hergott. Cabezas is handled by WME, Echo Lake Management and Jackoway Tyerman.

Email: Tatiana.Siegel@THR.com, Twitter: @TatianaSiegel27