Lionsgate has acquired domestic distribution rights to Marc Forster’s upcoming “Machine Gun Preacher,” starring Gerard Butler, putting the studio back in business with the director who brought it the Oscar-winning “Monster’s Ball” eight years ago.
The fact-based action drama is set to begin shooting in Detroit and South Africa July 5, and debut in fall 2011.
“Preacher” stars Butler as the title character, Sam Childers (aka “Machine Gun Preacher”), an American outlaw biker who finds redemption and religious fervor in war-torn Sudan.
Michelle Monaghan (“Eagle Eye,” “Gone Baby Gone”) is set to play Butler’s wife, with Michael Shannon, Madeline Carroll, Kathy Baker and Souleymane Sy Savane also co-starring.
The screenwriter is Jason Keller (“Big Shot: Confessions of a Campus Bookie”).
Forster will produce under his Apparatus shingle alongside Robbie Brenner; Gary Safady and Craig Chapman of Kaushi Entertainment; and Deborah Giarratana of GG Filmz. Executive producers are Myles Nestel of Merlina Entertainment, Brad Simpson of Apparatus, Gerard Butler, Alan Siegel and Louise Rosner.
