THR is reporting that Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger) has signed on to direct the Chinese action thriller Operation Somalia, which will mark his fourth Chinese project in three years.
The project is based on true events and follows an epic rescue operation by Chinese special forces against Somali pirates. It is set to begin production in China and Australia in April 2018.
“I love working in China and Operation Somalia gives me the type of canvas that a filmmaker can only dream of,” said Harlin. “[Producer Zhiyuan Zhang] has put together an exceptional production, and having the support of Jindun Film & Television Center of the Ministry of Public Security is an honor to our team. The story is based on real events and some real-life characters, and offers a spectacular canvas. The action will literally take place on land, sea and in the air.”
Harlin’s first Chinese production Skiptrace starred Jackie Chan and Johnny Knoxville. A big hit in China, it prompted the filmmaker to relocate to Beijing, where he has since completed production on the martial arts fantasy Legend of the Ancient Sword and is about to begin filming the thiller The Hanging Coffins.
Originally published June 19, 2017. Updated April 15, 2018.
