Ryan Reynolds is top choice for 'Safe House' with Denzel Washington

By Borys Kit – Hollywood Reporter

Ryan Reynolds is emerging as the frontrunner for the starring role opposite Denzel Washington in “Safe House,” the Universal thriller being directed by “Snabba cash” director Daniel Espinosa.

The role had been highly sought after, with Espinosa meeting or considering Tom Hardy, Zac Efron, James McAvoy, Sam Worthington and Shia LaBeouf, as well as Reynolds. An offer is expected imminently.

The storyline follows the only surviving agent of an attack on a CIA safe house (Reynolds) as he tries to get a lethal prisoner (Washington) to a second safe house before being taken out by violent forces that want them both dead.

David Guggenheim, an Us Weekly editor who worked nights on the script, sold “Safe House” to the studio in February. 

Scott Stuber will produce through his Universal-based Stuber Pictures while Trevor Macy is executive producing through his Intrepid Pictures shingle. Debbie Liebling, installed as Universal’s president of production in December, brought the project in.

CAA-repped seems to be traveling a steep upwards spike in his career now, especially as an action lead. The actor is currently shooting “Green Lantern,” which is shaping up to be one of Warner Bros.’ major tentpoles next year and is attached to star in Universal’s supernatural police project, “R.I.P.D.” as well as Fox’s “Wolverine” spinoff, “Deadpool.” Both are in active development and are narrowing in on directors.

The Canadian actor also toplines “Buried,” a thriller which opens October 8.

Filed under: New Releases

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