The action stars are aligning in David Ayer’s (Suicide Squad) upcoming production, Levon’s Trade with Amazon MGM Studios picking up the theatrical rights for the production. What’s even more exciting is that the film, which stars Jason Statham (Fast & Furious franchise) in the leading role, boasts a script penned by the one and only Sylvester Stallone. The movie is an adaptation of Chuck Dixon’s debut novel in the Levon series which Stallone will be developing for the big screen with some revisional assistance from Ayer.
In Levon’s Trade, Jason Statham stars as the titular character, a man who has left his “profession” behind to become the family man he’s expected to be. Working in construction, Levon is a dedicated father who loves his daughter to pieces but when his boss’ child goes missing, there’s only one person who can get her back. Sylvester Stallone was the perfect man to step in and pen the adaptation as it’s one centered on character growth and plenty of high-octane moments.
Jason Statham and Sylvester Stallone have long been pals both on-screen and off, having been two of the founding and most recognizable members of the Expendables franchise. Now four films deep, the ragtag band of mercenaries seems to be unstoppable even if the last installment wasn’t such a hit at the box office. When the last production wrapped filming, Stallone said that he was ready to step down from his role as Barney Ross, fully passing on the torch to Statham’s Lee Christmas should a fifth film go into production. Of course, anything can happen so we’d hope that Stallone would backpedal should Expendables 5 become a thing.
Stallone Is Already An Accomplished Writer
For now, we at least know that Jason Statham is in great hands with Sylvester Stallone writing the script for Levon’s Trade. Every Stallone fan out there knows his rags-to-riches tale of being a struggling young actor in New York City before penning the script for Rocky, in which he would also star. The film launched the performer to heights that many talented actors only dream of, jetting him off on an unimaginable career trajectory filled with incredible roles and more writing credits.
Long before his path ever crossed with Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone was churning out scripts for the remaining films in the Rocky franchise, kicking off the Rambo series (which he also wrote) and penning other movies including Cobra, Cliffhanger, and Driven.
Writing The Expendables
Would it surprise you to learn the it was Stallone who wrote his first film collaboration with Statham —The Expendables? Because he did.
In fact, Sylvester Stallone wrote the first three films in the series, passing the torch to Kurt Wimmer, Tad Daggerhart, and Max Adams for the fourth installation – maybe that’s why it was an underwhelming performer at the box office. Regardless, during their time together on the Expendables films, Jason Statham and Sylvester Stallone clearly gained a mutual appreciation for one another as they are now teaming up for Levon’s Trade
The Beekeeper
As for their projects before the release of Levon’s Trade, Jason Statham can currently be seen in theaters in his latest butt-kicking role in The Beekeeper. Up next for Sylvester Stallone is the Justin Routt action flick, Armored which has not announced a release date.
