EXCLUSIVE: Douglas, who stars as Liberace in Cannes competition entry Behind The Candelabra, will produce and play the lead in the new thriller. Good Universe is handling international sales and will launch The Reach in Cannes.

Jean-Baptiste Leonetti, the Paris-born filmmaker behind 2011 sci-fi drama Carré Blanc, will direct the Furthur Films production from Stephen Susco’s screenplay based on Robb White’s novel Deathwatch.

Douglas will play Madec, an arrogant businessman and big game hunter in pursuit of his ultimate prize who hires a young guide to lead him into the American desert. 

After Madec shoots and kills an innocent man, a game of cat-and-mouse unfolds when the guide refuses to take part in a cover-up.

Douglas is producing The Reach with Robert Mitas.