The first trailer forThe Woman in BlackdirectorJames Watkins’ action thrillerBastille Dayhas landed online, and it findsIdris Elbain leading man mode. Scripted byAndrew Baldwin, the film has been in development for a few years withTakendirectorPierre Morelat one point attached to helm. This version, however, has a strong charismatic bent thanks to the chemistry between Elba and co-starRichard Madden, who you may remember as Robb Stark from HBO’sGame of Thrones.
Elba and Madden both play Americans, but the story takes place in Paris where Madden’s pickpocket character is targeted by Elba’s CIA agent. But after bringing him in, Elba learns Madden is simply a pawn in a much bigger conspiracy game. The story is secondary, however, as the real draw here is no doubt Elba leading his own action thriller and the chemistry between the two lead actors, which is actually quite good! It’s a bit odd to see them all affecting American accents when this is a British production, but the charm is nevertheless there.
Check out the trailer below (viaThe Playlist). The film also starsKelly Reilly,Charlotte Le Bon, andJose Garciaand opens in the U.K. on April 22nd. A U.S. release date is still pending.
Here’s the official synopsis forBastille Day:
Michael Mason (Richard Madden, ‘GAME OF THRONES’) is an American pickpocket living in Paris who finds himself hunted by the CIA when he steals a bag that contains more than just a wallet. Sean Briar (Idris Elba, ‘LUTHER’, PROMETHEUS), the field agent on the case, soon realizes that Michael is just a pawn in a much bigger game and is also his best asset to uncover a large-scale conspiracy.
Going against commands, Briar recruits Michael to use his expert pickpocketing skills to help quickly track down the source of the corruption. As a 24hr thrill ride ensues, the unlikely duo discover they are both targets and must rely upon each other to take down a common enemy.
