Samuel L. Jackson is stepping into the role of a criminal mastermind in the upcoming thriller Just Play Dead—and this time, faking his death is just the beginning.
Joining Jackson in the cast are Eva Green (Casino Royale, Penny Dreadful) and Maria Pedraza (Money Heist). The film will be directed by Gary Fleder (Homefront, Runaway Jury) from a script written by Dan Gordon (Rambo: Last Blood, The Hurricane).
In Just Play Dead, Jackson plays Jack Wolfe, a wealthy crime boss whose empire is on the verge of collapse. Cornered by the Feds, Jack hatches a scheme to fake his own death and cash in on a $30 million life insurance payout. His “grieving” wife Nora (Green) is in on the plan—or so he thinks. Unbeknownst to Jack, Nora has plans of her own: kill Jack for real, frame her young surfer lover Chad for the murder, and make off with the money solo. But when both spouses try to out-con each other, all bets are off—and the only question left is: who’s playing who?
The film is being co-financed by Highland Film Group, which is also handling international sales at this year’s Cannes market. CAA Media Finance is managing domestic rights. Production is slated to kick off this fall in the Canary Islands.
“Samuel L. Jackson and Eva Green together in this kind of dark, seductive thriller? That’s cinematic electricity,” said Highland Film Group CEO Arianne Fraser. “We’re thrilled to help bring this unpredictable story to life.”
Fleder also shared his excitement: “This story is sexy, dangerous, and full of sharp turns. It’s exactly the kind of film that keeps you guessing until the last scene.”
A European co-production, Just Play Dead is being produced by Head Gear Films’ Phil Hunt, Gemstone Films’ Valentin Dimitrov, Sagiv Diamant, Moshe Diamant, and Gaby Whyte Hart (who also serves as casting director). Executive producers include Highland’s Arianne Fraser and Delphine Perrier.
Between a legendary lead, a femme fatale with her own plan, and a setup that promises explosive consequences, Just Play Dead is shaping up to be a must-watch for thriller fans.