The long mooted remake of Michael Winner’s 1972 classic ‘The Mechanic’ has finally secured a leading man to take on the role of Arthur Bishop, which was originally made famous by Charles Bronson.

Following strong rumours that Sylvester Stallone would play the part in the remake, fellow hard-man action hero, Jason Statham, will now be taking on the role, it has been confirmed.

The original movie told the story of an experienced hit-man who takes a beginner under his wing. Jan-Michel Vincent co-starred.

It was one of many collaborations between Bronson and director Michael Winner, which also included the western ‘Chato’s Land’ and the ‘Death Wish’ series.

The new version will be directed by Simon West, who is currently in production with ‘Dali’, a biopic of the infamous Surrealist painter, starring Antonio Banderas. Other credits include ‘Con Air’ and ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.’

Karl Gajdusek penned the script. Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff will produce. They also produced the 1972 original.

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