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Cinemax is teaming with Luc Besson for a TV series based on his popular Transporter film franchise. After lengthy negotiations, HBO’s sibling pay-cable channel has committed to 12 episodes of the action drama, produced by French company Atlantique and executive produced by Besson. This is the second series order under Cinemax’s current push in original scripted fare. Last month, the network partnered with British satcaster Sky for another action series, the 10-part Strike Back.
Transporter, the series, will center on professional transporter Frank Martin, played in the movies by Jason Statham. Operating in a seedy underworld of dangerous criminals and desperate players, Martin can always be counted on to get the job done — discreetly. He has three rules: Never change the deal, no names and never open the package.
Transporter, which has also secured broadcasters in France (M6) and Germany (RTL) will begin production this summer in Europe and Canada and will be presented at the upcoming MIPTV market. According to Luc Besson’s EuropaCorp., the budget for the series is $48 million. Atlantique’s parent company Lagardere Entertainment is fully-financing the show, having licensed The Transporter from EuropaCorp. In addition to Besson, the series is being executive produced by Klaus Zimmermann and Fred Fuchs.
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Who gets Cinemax?
I’m assuming anyone who has HBO, as it’s generally part of the same package.
So Cinemax is trying to branch out more than just Skinemax content huh? There are rumors that Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie from Stargate Universe were also hired to work on this show. Mallozzi has hinted about it many times on his blog.
Writer-producers Joseph Mallozzi, Paul Mullie and Carl Binder from Syfy’s Stargate franchise are indeed working on the show. And they’re awesome.
Who is the casting director?
Will Luc direct any of the 12 episodes?
Any American actors being considered?
It’s all on breakdowns, Steven.
I’ve heard a British actor named Daniel Father’s is being considered. That said, I’m sure 2000 others are as well.
I don’t have the breakdowns…can you tell me who the casting director is and contact info.? Thanks LC
Since it’s filming in Europe and Canada, I’m assuming that’s where the actors will come from.
Ever watch Highlander: The Series?They filmed half the season in Canada and the other half in France.There were rarely ever any American actors on that show.
Martin can always be counted on to get the job done — discreetly. He has three rules: Never change the deal, no names and never open the package.
And make certain — all three rules will be broken every episode.
Love that Cinemax is getting into the game with scripted TV. Good for them. Very excited!
they pitched this at the major networks last year. This is nothing like the movies and will be a disaster!
So very true.
So I guess the obvious choice for casting would be Luke Goss after seeing him in Death Race 2.
The budget seems great for this at $4 million an episode. I hope they can attract some decent actors.
Luke Goss of course could play the lead actually love him more than Jason just because I am into blond blue eyes men hhhmmm. Their acting are both fab !!! Luke Goss is my choice….
Luke Goss was great in DR 2; my choice also!
I can imagine Luke Goss in this role too. He would be great as Frank Martin.
Luke Goss IS the obvious choice. Anyone that’s seen his movies know how awesome he is. Blade 2, Hellboy 2 , Blood Out and Death Race 2 just show that he is an action star.
Luke Goss? GREAT idea for casting their people!!! I’d certainly watch the series if he were the lead!!!
Definitely Luke Goss best choice to cast as lead and I will subscribe to CineMax…
I’m right with you Liz…so subscribing to Cinemax.
He was brilliant in Death Race 2, so Luke could definitely make this part his own!
In a show like this, it’s not about the actors. It’s about the stunts. Kind of like the movies (even though I love me some Jason Statham). Hopefully the budget will be going mostly toward those rather than wasting it on some atrocious actor pathetically trying to channel Jason.
Totally agree Luke Goss would own this role!!! he’d be perfect! he already has the mad skills from Death Race 2 imagine what that would do for this series! Great actor who can do his own stunt driving, perfect!
I seriously beg to differ–instead of just grabbing some shmoe from a few bad movies that looks a lot like Statham, they need a more talented individual with awesome stunt shtuff under his belt–this individual being Cyril Raffaelli (District B13).
Luke Goss is an awesome actor with a bunch of great movies under his belt – ACTION included! Nomak in Blade 2, Prince Nuada in Hellboy 2, and tonnes more! … He would be exceptional in this!! =:)
No doubt about it, Luke Goss could totally do this role, hands down!!! Action, guns, cars, he just nailed it in Deathrace2!!
Yes, Luke Goss’s agent, we get it — you want him in the part.
I am always impressed by Luke Goss’ range, so I think he could do a wonderful job here.
Actually Luke Fans and there are allot of us loyal fans ever since Luke first kicked but in Blade II & Hellboy II; he has proved himself as an actor and does his own fight scenes being trained by navy seals and other marshal art expert since he started doing action movies. He is a man that does not only act but also produces & writes his own movies. A man of many talent but maybe you should check out his Fan Site and count the number of fans Luke has backing him!!!
Yes Luke goss