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Jean Reno Stars in New Revenge Thriller ‘The Butler’

The trend of mature action heroes continues with the addition of Jean Reno, renowned for his role in Léon: The Professional. Following the legacy of icons like Liam Neeson from Taken and Jeff Bridges in The Old Man, Reno is set to take center stage in the upcoming film The Butler. This revenge thriller will feature Reno as a character who has left behind a history of violence to serve as a family butler. However, peace is fleeting, and he soon finds himself using his unique skills to protect his new family from imminent danger.

The film is scheduled to be directed by Tom Edmunds, known for Dead in a Week: Or Your Money Back, and is based on a screenplay by Craig McInnes. According to Variety, The Butler will effortlessly blend high-stakes action with elements of family drama. While additional cast members have not yet been announced, the film is expected to be presented at Berlinale’s European Film Market, with filming set to kick off in Ireland in early summer 2025. Below is a brief synopsis of The Butler.

“In The Butler, Reno portrays a former World War I commando who, after leaving behind his violent past, enjoys a peaceful life as a butler. His routine is shattered when mobsters come seeking payment for a debt, compelling him to confront his violent history in a gripping confrontation.”

‘The Butler’ Combines ‘Downton Abbey’ with ‘Die Hard’

This year’s European Film Market (February 13-23) will showcase The Butler, as noted by THR, which outlines further details about the project. The independent film sales and distribution company K5 International will manage the film’s international distribution. The excitement surrounding The Butler has been summarized as “Downton Abbey meets Die Hard,” featuring Reno as a retired WWI commando turned family butler who must use his past military expertise to repel a mobster invasion of his employer’s grand estate. This intriguing juxtaposition aims to captivate both action aficionados and fans of domestic dramas.

Director Tom Edmunds encapsulated his vision for The Butler with a succinct description that captures its unique essence. He stated that the film promises to deliver “a period action-thriller that masterfully intertwines the elegance found in Downton Abbey with the intensity of Die Hard.” He praised Reno’s performance, acknowledging the actor’s impressive ability to fuse his iconic action-hero persona with depth and sincerity vital for this role.

Producers for the film include Christopher Tuffin, Kevin DeWalt, Ari Novak, and Kevin Townsend. Tuffin, celebrated for producing the unexpected success Sound of Freedom, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Reno, stating, “Without Jean Reno, there is no revenge thriller genre. It’s a privilege to work with him on this project.”

While The Butler showcases Reno’s enduring skills in action, it also marks a significant moment for the actor, currently aged 76. Reno has built a legacy in the genre with memorable performances in films like Mission: Impossible, Ronin, and 22 Bullets. However, his portrayal of the enigmatic assassin in Léon: The Professional remains his most iconic role. The film, directed by Luc Besson, features a young Natalie Portman as Mathilda, who teams up with Reno’s character to navigate her quest for vengeance after her family suffers a tragic fate. Fans of the genre can undoubtedly anticipate Reno’s return to action in The Butler.

Source
movieweb.com