Milla Jovovich is set to star in another genre pic. The “Resident Evil” actress has signed on to topline sci-fi action thriller “Hummingbird,” Deadline confirms. Described as being “in the vein of ‘Lucy’ and the ‘Bourne’ films,” the project is being produced by Fundamental Films and Broken Road Productions with Lionsgate handling international sales.
“Hummingbird” centers on a female assassin “whose latest mark catapults her on a journey of shocking self-discovery.” “X-Men: Apocalypse’s” Olivia Munn was previously attached to star.
The pic is based on a Black List script by John McClain with revisions by “Resident Evil” writer-director — and Jovovich’s husband — Paul W.S. Anderson. “Reset” helmers Marcus Kryler and Fredrik Akerström will direct.
Jovovich’s “Resident Evil” franchise has earned over $1.2 billion worldwide. The most recent installment of the video game adaptation, 2017’s “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter,” took in more than $312 million.
“Every woman who plays a strong character in movies paves the way for all of us,” Jovovich has said. She was inspired by Sigourney Weaver’s role in the “Alien” franchise, which convinced her that women could be action stars. The “Fifth Element” actress explained, “I believed her, and it inspired me to try harder and do crazier things that people wouldn’t actually expect from a female.”
A number of female-led assassin films are on the way, including Jennifer Lawrence-starrer “Red Sparrow” and Blake Lively vehicle “The Rhythm Section.” Taraji P. Henson plays an assassin in “Proud Mary,” in theaters now.
