Jason Statham is in final negotiations to star alongside Paddy Considine in the big screen adaptation of Ken Bruen’s crime thriller Blitz.

The film will be Lionsgate UK’s first production since the company announced its commitment to developing and producing British films last year. 

Blitz is about a police-hating serial killer who targets officers at a South East London police station. Statham will play the lead role of a tough, uncompromising and un-PC officer who is partnered with a sergeant, played by Considine.

Written by Nathan Parker (Moon) and produced by Zygi Kamasa, Steve Chasman (The Bank Job), Brad Wyman and Donald Kushner, Blitz is the second feature to be directed by Elliott Lester. His debut feature, Love Is The Drug, was selected for 2006’s Slamdance Film Festival.

Producer Steve Chasman added: “After working with Lionsgate UK on The Bank Job¸ we were drawn to Blitz as we feel it is a unique project with a refreshing script.”

The film will shoot on location in London for seven weeks from August 10.

Lionsgate UK are fully financing the film and a 2010 release in the UK is planned. Mandate International is handling international sales.