Clive Owen Seeking "Protection"

By our guest blogger, Matt Jussim

Clive Owen will replace Paul Walker in the action thriller "Protection," according to Production Weekly.

According to Production Weekly: “Patrick Alessandrin to direct Clive Owen in the action thriller "Protection," written by Brandon Noonan.”

The story follows a disgraced former Special Forces soldier who takes on Mexican gangs in an attempt to rescue a judge’s daughter.

The star isn't the only change with director Patrick Alessandrin.  The director of "District 13: Ultimatum" also has replaced Simon West ("Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," "Con Air") on the Brandon Noonan-scripted project.

Owen has had mixed success attempting to become an action star. “Shoot ‘Em Up” was so bad, it was good, and “The International” was a disjointed effort. But adding Owen to the project instead of Paul Walker is an automatic upgrade talent-wise. Owen was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in Mike Nichols’ “Closer,” and he was absolutely brilliant in “Children of Men.”

I’m hoping that the combination of Alessandrin’s unique talent and the acting chops of Owen can bring a decent action film, much like “Taken” from 2008.