Morgan Freeman Signs on as the Villain in ‘Gunner’

Morgan Freeman is signing on to his newest project, the action flick Gunner.

Freeman, 85, is set to play the villain in the upcoming movie, which will star Luke Hemsworth in the lead. The plot follows Special Ops veteran Lee Gunner (Hemsworth), who hopes to reconnect with his two sons by taking them on a fishing trip. However, the boys stumble upon a drug-running operation. And they end up kidnapped by the son of a jailed kingpin (Freedom). So, Gunner sets out to rescue his family.

Production on Gunner Begins Spring 2023

Dimitri Logothetis is directing the film, with The Fast and the Furious writer Gary Scott Thompson penning the script. Joel Shapiro and Logothetis are producing the film. And production is set to begin this spring in Alabama. 

The movie is being represented by Highland Film Group, who are introducing it to buyers at the European Film Market next week. Freeman is no stranger to the group. He previously worked with them on the sci-fi thriller 57 Seconds. That project has completed production, but it has yet to be released.

“Working again with such an incomparable talent like Morgan Freeman is fantastic. And we’re thrilled to team up with him for a second time in such a different and exciting role,” Highland COO Delphine Perrier says.

“Writer Gary Scott Thompson has taken audiences on a number of thrill rides with ‘The Fast and Furious’. And his screenplay for ‘Gunner’ does not disappoint. And with action maven Dimitri Logothetis at the helm, we’re ready to roll on this high-octane story about a war hero who will do anything to protect his family,” Perrier adds.

“I feel so privileged to have Morgan Freeman in ‘Gunner’. One of my most favorite and unforgettable performances of his is when he played the villain Thaddeus Bradley in ‘Now You See Me’. Freeman is deceivingly complex and perfect for ‘Gunner’,” Logothetis also notes.

We’ll keep you posted as more news on the project surfaces!