Here’s an early peek at Asger Leth‘s feature directorial debut, “Man On A Ledge,” a Summit Entertainment thriller set in New York starring Sam Worthington as the titular character, an ex-cop turned wanted fugitive.
The story begins as Worthington’s character stands on the ledge of a high-rise building as a hard-living New York Police Department hostage negotiator, played by Elizabeth Banks, tries to talk him down, slowly realizing he may have an ulterior motive but, at the same time, developing feelings for him. Shooting begins this weekend on the project with Ed Harris a late addition to the cast as a mysterious “powerful businessman.”
Harris joins the likes of Jamie Bell who plays Worthington’s brother who happens to be planning a heist on a jewelry store across the street while his sibling stands on the ledge; Anthony Mackie plays Worthington’s best friend and ally; Edward Burns stars as a rival negotiator who tries battles with Banks; and newcomer Genesis Rodriguez will portray Bell’s girlfriend. Amy Adams was also linked early on to the role eventually filled by Banks, and the film has ended up with a very strong, talented supporting lineup.
Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura couldn’t agree more announcing, ” ‘Man on a Ledge’ is an incredible suspense thriller with a powerhouse cast. I look forward to producing this project and once again working with Summit Entertainment with which we just released the action comedy ‘RED.’ ” Script comes courtesy of Pablo Fenjves with a rewrite by “RED” scribes Erich & Jon Hoeber</b hopefully for a thriller with some steel — but with the man behind the 'Transformers' franchise producing, we'll definitely hold out until we see more ("RED" didn't exactly blow any of us away either).
The Danish filmmaker takes the helm of his thriller just a few month after his picture, “Cartel,” starring Josh Brolin with a script penned by Peter Morgan — after his remake of the 1993 Italian film “La Scorta” — had the rug pulled out from under it a mere five weeks before production was due to begin in Mexico City. Leth is the son of famed Danish filmmaker Jørgen Leth, perhaps best known to North American audiences as the object of Lars Von Trier’s mischevious affection in the documentary, “The Five Obstructions.” The younger Leth is known for his heralded 2006 documentary about Haiti, “Ghosts of Cité Soleil.”