News

Fox Searchlight Shuts Down The Sweeney

Fox Searchlight has abruptly shut down production on The Sweeney, the big screen adaptation of the cult classic British cop show of the same name. The studio halted activity just weeks before filming was to begin, due to the fact that the powers that be were unsure that actor Ray Winstone, who was set to play the lead role of Jack Regan, had enough name recognition to carry the picture or fill seats. Rumors abound that the producers were trying to nab Jason Statham for the role of a younger cop, but that never came to pass.

Reps for DNA Films, which was planning to produce the film, indicated that Fox Searchlight doubted the film's overseas potential as well. There is still hope that the film may eventually be made if a big draw name can be lured to the cast.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
09.05.08