The Director of ‘The Raid’ to Tackle ‘Breaking the Bank’

If you've seen 'The Raid,' you know how excited you should be about whatever filmmaker Gareth Evans has in the pipeline. Although his next film is probably the sequel to his instant-classic Indonesian martial arts flick, he's now attached to another, bigger project. Deadline reports that Evans is set to direct 'Breaking the Bank,' the true story of the biggest cash heist in history.

It's one of those "so strange it just has to be true" stories. In 2006, a ragtag team of amateur criminals, including mixed martial arts fighter "Lightning" Lee Murray, pulled off an epic robbery and absconded with 53 million British pounds. The crime was the subject of a Sports Illustrated article from which the film will take its title and a book called 'The Heist' (the production will presumably draw from both when it comes time to write the screenplay). If any of this sounds familiar, it's because Darren Aronofsky was set to direct this project a few years back, but dropped out to work on his upcoming epic, 'Noah.' For many projects, losing a talent like Aronofsky would be a huge setback, but in this case, they've only managed to gain a director who, if he plays his cards right, will be in high and constant demand for the next few years.

Although the film will certainly have its fair share of action (especially considering the profession of its main character), it'll be a different kind of action, based more on tension than the constant leg and neck snapping. Granted, the constant leg and neck snapping in 'The Raid' is a thing of violent, delightful beauty, but watching Evans stretch his muscles with a film that's a completely different flavor than his previous work should prove fascinating. It'll answer one big question for sure: is Evans a great director or just a great action director?

Anyway, don't expect this one anytime soon. There's no script and Evans is pretty solidly booked at the moment. Just do yourself a favor and keep the thought of this film buried somewhere in the back of your skull. It could be something to look out for.

Here's the official description of 'The Heist,' if you're up for some homework:

"On 22 February 2006, £53 million was stolen from a cash warehouse belonging to the Securitas company in Tonbridge, Kent. In terms of value, the robbery puts previous British capers, such as the Great Train Robbery, in the shade. This was a crime notable for its audacity, carried out by an unlikely crew of players that included a used car salesman, two Albanian casual workers and a roofer. Five men were convicted at the Old Bailey in January 2008, which attracted nationwide media coverage. A sixth man, Paul Allen, was sentenced in October 2009 for his part. Having become close to the Tonbridge gang and the police during three years of research, Sounes relates a classic crime caper in irresistible, almost forensic detail. After the robbery comes the exciting, sometimes comical story of the getaway. Money is found and arrests are made but key characters slip out of the country, and millions of pounds are still missing. HEIST is the definitive account of these compelling events, is wildly entertaining, and a must for all fans of well-written true crime."