EXCLUSIVE: Simon Pegg has come on board the Australian thriller Kill Me Three Times from Red Dog director Kriv Stenders. Cargo Entertainment handles international pre-sales in Cannes.

Pegg, who plays Scotty in this weekend’s North American release Star Trek Into Darkness, joins the action set in a sun-drenched Australian town where a young woman is the link between murder, blackmail and revenge.

Tania Chambers, Laurence Malkin and Share Stallings produce the project, which is set to commence shooting on Sept 16 in Western Australia. Hopscotch / eOne will distribute in Australia and New Zealand.

Pegg’s precise role remained unclear however Stenders would say this: “It’s a delicious role for him and will be an exciting surprise for audiences around the world.”

Kill Me Three Times’ backers include Screen Australia, Screen West, Film Victoria, the Melbourne International Film Festival and Media House Capital.

“Simon Pegg is not only a recognised and loved actor but he also is an extremely talented and versatile performer who will bring a special touch to the role,” said Cargo CEO Marina Grasic.