Mike Fleming

EXCLUSIVE: Hot off the hit sequel Taken 2, director Olivier Megaton has been set by Emmett/Furla Films to next helm the $60 million action thriller Taking Gotham. The Thomas Kelly-scripted film, based on actual events, is about a secret unit of the NYPD that was created in response to a string of brutal robberies in New York City. After a deadly sting operation, the elite unit is disavowed by the NYPD, forcing them to go deep underground in order to clear their names. Production will get underway next March. The film earlier had Brass Monkey helmer Nicolai Fuglsig attached, but it will be Megaton who directs this, and casting will begin immediately.

Hollywood Gang’s Gianni Nunnari, Gotham Group’s Ellen Goldsmith Vein & Michael Prevett and Randall Emmett and George Furla are producing. This film will be financed through the $275 million equity fund Emmett/Furla Films acquired to increase their 2013 film slate. EFF wrapped a bunch of films this year, including the Allen Hughes-directed Broken City with Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe; 2 Guns with Wahlberg and Denzel Washington; and Lone Survivor, the Peter Berg-directed drama that stars Wahlberg. Megaton, who previously directed the Luc Besson-produced films Colombiana and Transporter 3, is repped by WME.