Martin Kemp to Direct Adaptation of London Cult Crime Novel ‘Top Dog’

Martin Kemp Direct Adaptation of London Cult Crime Novel 'Top Dog'

LONDON – U.K. musician and actor Martin Kemp will direct the upcoming British crime drama Top Dog, a movie adaptation of the cult novel by Dougie Brimson (Green Street).

The movie will be produced by Jonathan Sothcott through his Richwater Films banner.

Kemp previously directed cult thriller Stalker, also produced by Sothcott, which picked up best picture and best director plaudits at the British Horror Film Festival and will be released in the U.S. later this year.

PHOTOS: 11 Biggest Book-to-Big Screen Adaptations of the Last 25 Years

Brimson, who co-wrote soccer hooligan movie Green Street, is adapting his own novel into a screenplay.

Leo Gregory is attached to star as London villain Billy Evans who bites off more than he can chew when he crosses a more dangerous criminal gang.

Kemp said: “I’m thrilled to be directing Top Dog, I can’t wait to get back behind the camera. Every so often something really special comes along, and this is it.”

Sothcott added: “in our ambition to make the definitive hooligan movie, finding the right director was the last and perhaps most important part of the puzzle. I know from working with Martin over many years that his passion and very real skill as a film-maker will ensure that Top Dog becomes the ultimate lads film.”

Shooting is scheduled to begin in November.

The movie will be released in the U.K. in 2014 by Universal Pictures U.K., part of Universal Pictures International Entertainment.

Sothcott, whose résumé boasts British low-budget genre thrillers White Collar Hooligan and Fall of the Essex Boys, launched Richwater Films at the start of 2013.

Martin Kemp to Direct Adaptation of London Cult Crime Novel ‘Top Dog’

Stuart Kemp

Hannah Gadsby’s Disastrous ‘Pablo-matic’ Show at the Brooklyn Museum Has Some ‘Pablo-ms’ of Its Own

Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck Finally Buy $60 Million Beverly Hills Mansion

Halle Bailey's 'Little Mermaid' Extensions Cost $150,000, According To Head Hair Stylist

This Tense Moment Between Kate Middleton & Prince William Is Heavily Fueling the Strained Relationship Speculation

BowFlex’s Adjustable Dumbbells Make Me Want to Strength Train Daily

Ritz-Carlton’s First Branded Residences in Europe Are Open in Istanbul—Here’s a Look Inside

Yung Miami Thinks Moving In With Diddy Could Ruin Their Relationship

Hot 100 First-Timers: Sexyy Red & Tay Keith Arrive With ‘Pound Town 2’

Have a Tip?