Seeking to change its reputation as HBO’s red-headed stepchild where softcore movies go to die, Cinemax is getting into the original programming biz in a big way. After announcing a 10-part action series called Strike Back last month, the pay cable network has now made a deal for a new TV series based on Luc Besson’s Transporter movies.
The channel has committed to 12 episodes of the action drama, produced by French company Atlantique and executive produced by Besson. Much like the films, the Transporter TV series will center on professional transporter Frank Martin, played in the movies by Jason Statham.
Operating in a seedy underworld of dangerous criminals and desperate players, Martin can always be counted on to get the job done — discreetly. He has three rules: Never change the deal, no names and never open the package.
The Transporter films were fun and Statham really made the character his own. Plus, he does know how to kick some serious ass. It remains to be seen who will take on the role in the series but rest assured, whoever it is has some big shoes (and a big car) to fill.
