Though their first collaboration — the action film Boss Level — has yet to reach theaters, Mel Gibson, Frank Grillo and director Joe Carnahan are already at work at a follow up collaboration, the action dramedy Leo From Toledo.
Per The Wrap, the story is said to center around a former killer for the Kansas City mob who goes into hiding, but ultimately has trouble remembering certain events from his past. And the ones he can remember, he wishes he could forget. Except now his past sins have returned and made him a hunted man who must now race against time to save his estranged daughter and granddaughter.
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“I’ve seldom had more fun than sitting in a writer’s room with producer Lawrence Grey and writer-director Joe Carnahan, while we spitballed on this story. It’s a tight, fast thriller, but its quirky observations had me in stitches,” Gibson said via statement. “It’s a real treat to be able to work with Joe and Frank Grillo again after the great experience I had with them on ‘Boss Level’ last year.”
The Academy Award-winning director also had high praise for Carnahan, whom he called an efficient, whimsical action director.
Carnahan likewise dropped praise on his two stars, stating, “Leo is the kind of movie I love to make, it’s funny and heartfelt with a ton of great action. Being able to work with Mel, and Frank again is a real gift. It rarely happens that you get to make films with the people you love and respect, so I consider myself blessed.”
He also cited Gibson’s work on the project as “a return to form of sorts” for the legendary actor, since the role will give him a chance to be equally funny and dramatic.
Production on Leo From Toledo is set to begin in early 2020.
As stated above, Gibson, Grillo and Carnahan are currently wrapping up Boss Level, a sci-fi action thriller that was produced by Carnahan and Grillo’s production company.
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Gibson has been attached to a number of projects lately, including the films Waldo and Force of Nature. He is also working on a remake of The Wild Bunch, with plans to direct.
Grillo, who also starred in Carnahan’s underrated The Grey, has a slew of films in post-production, including Hell On the Border, Once Upon a Time in Staten Island, and The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard.
Carnahan hasn’t had a feature film since 2014’s Stretch, but has since kept himself busy with episodes of The Blacklist and State of Affairs. Boss Level releases early next year. He has also been attached to direct the U.S. remake of The Raid with, you guessed it, Frank Grillo.
