Martin Scorsese To Exec Produce Ben Wheatley's FREE FIRE

James Marsh, Editor, Asia; Hong Kong, China (@Marshy00)

February 8 2015, 2:13 AM

Martin Scorsese has come aboard British director Ben Wheatley's next project, Free Fire, as an executive producer, Screen Daily has revealed. Set in late-70s Boston, the film is the story of two rival gangs, whose rendezvous in a deserted warehouse quickly turns bloody, and Wheatley has been very open about Scorsese's influence on his style.

"I wouldn't be making films if it wasn't for Martin Scorsese," said Wheatley. "I think that's the case for a lot of directors. It's an honour and an extreme thrill to have him involved in this project." Wheatley went on to cite Goodfellas and Casino as specific references in the development of Free Fire, while Scorsese's last trip to Boston resulted in 4 Oscars for The Departed. The film is set to go into production later this year, with Luke Evans, Cillian Murphy, Armie Hammer, Olivia Wilde and regular collaborator Michael Smiley starring.

Scorsese has been vocal of his admiration for Wheatley's work in the past, calling A Field In England "A stunning cinematic experience." He will exec-produce with his Sikelia Productions partner Emma Tillinger Koskoff. Wheatley is currently involved in post-production on his adaptation of the J.G. Ballard novel High Rise, starring Tom Hiddleston.