Damson Idris is lining up his next major film project, with the F1 star attached to produce and potentially lead Sacrament, a new action thriller in development at Apple Original Films. Jonathan Levine has signed on to direct the feature, which will bring together Apple Studios and Chernin Entertainment.
The project is still in the early stages of development, with the creative team reportedly developing the film as a starring vehicle for Idris. The collaboration follows the global success of F1: The Movie, which grossed approximately $634 million worldwide and earned multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
Written by Enzo Mileti and Scott Wilson, Sacrament follows two former Chicago police officers who have transitioned into working as contractors. Their latest assignment takes them to a remote, heavily fortified township in Sacrament, Utah, where they must track down a runaway thief.
However, what initially appears to be a routine job quickly spirals into a dangerous confrontation. Outnumbered and outgunned, the two men find themselves fighting for survival, forcing them to put aside their differences and develop a stronger partnership if they hope to make it out alive.
The film’s premise sets the stage for a high-stakes thriller built around action, survival and the relationship between its central characters.
Peter Chernin and David Ready will produce for Chernin Entertainment, which is working on the project through its first-look feature deal with Apple. Idris will produce through his own company, Keep Quiet Productions, while Levine will also serve as a producer alongside Gillian Bohrer through their company, MegaMix.
According to reports, Chernin Entertainment brought the screenplay to Idris as the actor and Apple looked to collaborate again following the success of F1. The new project represents another opportunity for the actor to establish himself in major studio productions.
Idris has several projects on his slate beyond Sacrament. He is currently filming Miles & Juliette, a Miles Davis biographical drama directed by Bill Pohlad. He is also attached to Netflix’s upcoming series The Lords’ Day, on which he serves as an executive producer.
Meanwhile, Levine continues to attract attention in Hollywood. The filmmaker’s upcoming sports drama Mr. Irrelevant is scheduled to arrive on Christmas Day, with the project reportedly generating interest from Tom Cruise. Levine has also been tapped to direct the sequel to Days of Thunder for Paramount.
For Apple and Chernin Entertainment, Sacrament adds to a growing slate of film and television projects. Their previous collaborations include the Jason Momoa-led series Chief of War and See, alongside Truth Be Told, starring Octavia Spencer and Gabrielle Union, and the documentary series The War for Football.
With Idris potentially taking on the lead role and Levine directing, Sacrament is shaping up as another notable addition to Apple’s film development slate. Further casting announcements, production details and a release date have yet to be confirmed.
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