Brian De Palma (“Scarface”) has found the leading man for his upcoming adaptation of William Goldman’s novel “Heat.” THR has learned that action go-to guy Jason Statham (“Snatch”) has been cast in the role of a recovering gambling addict who works protection gigs to pay the bills.  He refuses to use guns in dealing with foes (a la The Rock in “The Rundown”) and resorts to using his fists and edged weapons (“The Expendables” proved this very effective).  When his friend is beaten by a high-roller, he helps her get revenge, which puts him in even more danger. Sounds like the typical Statham role, which he always does amazing in, but it would be refreshing to see him do some more dramatic work (like “London”). I guess it doesn’t matter so long as he enjoys what he is doing, and people are willing to pay to see him do it. De Palma is certainly an experienced and skilled director so maybe he can add depth to the character and actually challenge Statham with a role that requires acting. Statham can next be seen in “Safe,” “The Expendables 2,” and “Parker.”

“Wedding Crashers” duo Vince Vaughn (“The Lost World: Jurassic Park”) and Owen Wilson (“Behind Enemy Lines”) are finally reuniting for another comedy. Originally they were trying to get the film “2 Guns” off the ground for themselves, but that fell through. Vulture is reporting that now they are joining director Shawn Levy (“Real Steel”) in a comedy that Vaughn wrote about forty-something year old friends who get laid off. Convinced they’ve gone about managing their careers wrong, they resolve to become interns at a Google-like company and start over. Shenanigans ensue when Vaughn and Wilson compete against 22 year-olds to advance in the company. Make this into a Rated-R comedy and you have what could be a hysterical film. Comedies based on a difference between age groups are always hilarious to me; especially since I fit comfortably in that younger group for now. Levy is currently in post-production on his film “Neighborhood Watch,” also starring Vaughn, but once it is complete they will get this production started.

The previously mentioned film “2 Guns,” originally set for a Vaughn/Wilson team-up, has now moved into more serious territory. Mark Wahlberg (“Shooter”) has taken over development of the project, and is set to star in the film about a DEA agent and an undercover naval intelligence officer who unknowingly investigate each other as each is stealing money from the mob. Wahlberg has hired his “Contraband” director Baltasar Kormakur to direct the film, and Deadline has learned that Denzel Washington (the excellent new film “Safe House”) is in final negotiations to co-star. The film just took a 180 from comedy to action/drama, and it couldn’t have two better actors in the leads for this type of project. Both actors bring an intensity that could carry a film on their own, but to put them together is just a moviegoer’s dream. This news excites me because it reminds me of “The Departed,” which is hands down one of my favorite films. I am so glad it fell out of Vince Vaughn’s hands, and landed somewhere more appropriate.

An unnecessary reboot is now getting an unneeded sequel. 2010’s surprise hit “The Karate Kid” starring Jaden Smith and the awesome Jackie Chan (“Rush Hour”) scored $350 million worldwide, and Columbia Pictures has pushed full steam ahead with a sequel. According to Variety, Columbia Pictures has now hired Zak Penn (“The Incredible Hulk”) to rewrite the sequel previously drafted by Ethan Reiff and Cyrus Voris. Penn is hit or miss with his scripts. He wrote the amazing “Last Action Hero” and TV series “Alphas,” but he also wrote “Elektra” and “Inspector Gadget.” It seems when he has to make family friendly movies he tends to drop the ball, but when writing more adult oriented material he tends to flourish. So now, not only is this film unnecessary, but it has a writer on board that is likely to drop the ball. It is expected that Jaden and Jackie will both return, which, of course, is a good thing for the sake of continuity. I will give the first film credit; Jackie gave such a dramatic performance as a man who lost his family that I actually shed a tear. It was the first time Jackie Chan has ever made me feel anything for his character. I hate to say it, but Chan has a drawing power that ensures I will see this movie when it hits theaters.

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