David Ellison’s ambitious Paramount has signed a multi-film first-look deal with Will Smith and Westbrook, which includes the action thriller Sugar Bandits that Smith was previously attached to star in.

The arrangement will focus on global, four-quadrant theatrical features through IP-based material and potential franchise-starters, which Paramount will develop and position as starring vehicles for Smith.

The actor-producer had been attached to star in Sugar Bandits before dropping out as the lead due to scheduling conflicts.

AGC Studios pre-sold the package at the markets last year and terminated the deals when Smith exited his role. AGC sold the screenplay to Westbook and AGC head Stuart Ford remains an executive producer.

Scott Frank is rewriting the script based on Chuck Hogan’

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