The project, which has a script by Chuck creator Chris Fedak, is based on a 2005 Dutch thriller that told of two brothers, on the run from the police, who steal an ambulance not knowing it already carried a female paramedic and a patient who is in critical condition.
The part was rewritten, giving the filmmakers a broader casting canvas and leading them to go after Abdul-Mateen, who has an opening in his schedule caused by Aquaman 2 pushing by several months next year.
Eiza González has the role of the paramedic.
Shooting is due to begin at the top of the new year.
Abdul-Mateen continues to be on a hot streak that began in earnest with his key role in HBO’s acclaimed limited series Watchmen. He is in the current awards season conversation thanks to his turn in Aaron Sorkin’s true-life drama, The Trial of the Chicago 7, in which he plays Black Panther party co-founder Bobby Seale.
He has horror thriller Candyman awaiting an August 2021 release and earlier this year he shot a part in new installment of The Matrix. On next year’s horizon, with schedules still to be worked out, is a starring turn opposite Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth in George Miller’s Mad Max Furiosa spinoff.
Abdul-Mateen is repped by WME, M88 and Ziffren Brittenham.
