Warner Bros. has signed "The Warrior" director Gavin O'Connor to direct the screenplay he co-wrote with Michael J. Wilson (of "Ice Age" and "Shark Tale"), TheWrap has confirmed.
The project is described as a modern-day action film about killer-for-hire gone rogue Townes Joyce, a jail escapee who's the target of an international manhunt.
O'Connor is also teed up to direct a stage play adaptation of "The Hustler," a co-writing effort with his "Warrior" writing partner Anthony Tambackis.
Also read: 'Warrior' Packs a Punch But Doesn't Quite Go the Distance
Although the well-reviewed "Warrior" underperformed expectations at $15 million in box office with a $25 million cost, many felt that Lionsgate's marketing campaign was long on the mixed martial arts aspects and short on the touching story underneath. In any event, O'Connor, who is a CAA client and also directed "Pride and Glory," "Miracle" and "Tumbleweeds," is said to be planning a sequel.
Deadline first reported the news.
