Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Green and Maria Pedraza are set to star in upcoming thriller Just Play Dead.

The film is being directed by Gary Fleder (Homefront, Runaway Jury, Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead) and written by Dan Gordon (Rambo: Last Blood, The Hurricane).

Highland Film Group are handling international sales rights and launching the film in Cannes.

In Just Play Dead, when wealthy criminal mastermind Jack Wolfe (Jackson) is cornered by the Feds, he plans to fake his own death and claim the $30 million life insurance payout with his “grieving” wife Nora (Green), while framing her surfer lover Chad for his murder. But Nora is cooking up a scheme of her own: kill Jack for real, frame Chad and keep the fortune for herself. As lies unravel, Nora and Jack scramble to outsmart one another, leaving one burning question: who will come out on top in this twisted game of life and death?

The film is a European co-production spearheaded by Head Gear Films’ Phil Hunt (Talk to Me, Tar) who produces alongside Gemstone Films’ Valentin Dimitrov (The Hitman’s Bodyguard), Sagiv Diamant (We Die Young), Moshe Diamant (The Protégé) and Gaby Whyte Hart, who also serves as the casting director. Just Play Dead is executive produced by Arianne Fraser and Delphine Perrier for Highland Film Group.

“I’ve always been drawn to stories that defy categorization, that live somewhere between genres and challenge audiences to stay on their toes,” said Fleder. “With Just Play Dead, written by the immensely talented Dan Gordon, and starring Samuel L. Jackson and Eva Green, I have the chance to return to that same rich, unpredictable territory. This film is provocative, sexy, and original—a perfect mix of clever storytelling and thrilling twists.”

Highland Film Group is co-financing the film and handling international rights, with CAA Media Finance overseeing domestic rights. Production is set to begin this fall in the Canary Islands.

“Working with such incredible talents as Samuel L. Jackson and Eva Green is truly an honor. Eva Green will deliver a captivating performance as the cunning and seductive wife to Samuel L. Jackson’s powerful kingpin in this intoxicating thriller,” said Highland Film Group CEO Fraser. “Dan Gordon has crafted a complex tale of lies, deceit and betrayal and Gary Fleder is the ideal director to bring this enticing and suspenseful project to life, which is already attracting buyers worldwide,” added Highland Film Group COO Delphine Perrier.

Added Gemstone Films: “Bringing together the legendary Samuel L. Jackson and the captivating Eva Green for Just Play Dead is an exciting moment for us at Gemstone Films. With Dan Gordon’s inspiration and Gary Fleder at the helm, we have a sharp script and we’re crafting a thrilling ride full of twists and compelling performances – we can’t wait to see it come to life on screen.”

Jackson is repped by Anonymous Content, CAA, Jackoway Austin Tyerman and ID; Green is repped by Chalcot Square; Pedraza is repped by Independent Talent Group.

By Alex Ritman, Variety