Omar Sy in "Samba" (2014)
Omar Sy in “Samba” (2014)

Up next for Omar Sy is acclaimed French-Algerian filmmaker Rachid Bouchareb’s action comedy “Belleville Cop,” scripted by Larry Gross (“Another 48 Hrs”).

Lionsgate has boarded the project and will introduce it to international buyers at the ongoing Cannes Film Market.

Featuring an international cast that includes (along with Omar Sy) Luis Guzman and Algerian actress Biyouna, as well as Julie Ferrier, Franck Gastambide and Diem Ngyen, the film tells the story of Baaba (Sy), a French police officer who moves to Miami, FL when he learns that a childhood friend has been killed, where he teams up with a local officer (Guzman) to take down those responsible.

Production has begun in Paris.

Samuel Hadida will produce “Belleville Cop” with Tessalit Films. Hadida’s Metropolitan FilmExport holds both France and US distribution rights.

“We are thrilled to be working with our long-time partners, Metropolitan, on this fun and exciting buddy cop film taking place in Paris and Miami,” Lionsgate’s motion picture group chairman Wachsberger and executive vice-president of international sales Crystal Bourbeau. “This multi-lingual film is a new and fresh take on the classic buddy cop genre sure to entertain audiences worldwide.”

Hadida added: “When I first read Larry Gross’s script, I knew this was special, a cross between ’48 Hours’ and ‘Rush Hour.’ Combined with Rachid Boukchareb’s unique vision, it is an updated buddy movie for today’s sensibilities. Omar Sy brings his extraordinary skills to the mix, together with Luis Guzman, and we truly have something entirely new and fresh. I am thrilled at the opportunity to be involved with this amazing team and to bring their remarkable creativity to worldwide film audiences.”

Omar Sy will next be seen in the French satire “Knock,” which is on the S&A 2018 Oscar predictions list; although it doesn’t have US distribution yet.