Gavin O’Connor (upcoming Pride and Glory) has set up his next film, Warrior, at Lionsgate.
O’Connor had originally set Warrior at New Line. Lionsgate has since acquired the script, a mixed-martial-arts saga about two estranged brothers on a collision course to fight in a tournament for the heavyweight championship.
OConnor wrote the script with A.M. Tambakis and Cliff Dorfman, and the helmer will produce with his brother, Greg O’Connor.
OConnor conceived the drama as a potential trilogy, and Lionsgate will also be involved in a mixed-martial-arts tournament dubbed Sparta that will be launched in connection with the movie.
The trade says that O’Connor has partnered in the 16-man grand prix tournament project with UFC heavyweight champion Randy Couture, who will play himself in the film.
Warrior starts shooting in January in Mexico and Pittsburgh.
