Phillip Noyce will direct Mixed Blood, which will co-star Samuel L Jackson.

Los Angeles-based A Bigger Boat and GreeneStreet Films, and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, are co-financing and producing the project. Jackson’s Uppity Films will also produce.

Kelly Masterson (Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead) is adapting the screenplay from Roger Smith’s new novel of the same name.

The story of corruption and revenge centres on a fugitive trying to save his family, who meets one good detective (Jackson) who harbours a dark secret.

FilmNation will handle worldwide sales through its partnership with A Bigger Boat and GreeneStreet Films. Principal photography is scheduled to start in early 2010.

“We cannot believe our good fortune to be developing such a strong and exciting project and thank Sam and Uppity for bringing it to us,” said A Bigger Boat’s Peter Block and GreeneStreet’s Tim Williams in a joint statement. “When you read Roger’s novel you immediately find yourself watching the movie in your head and the movie that plays is the one that only Philip Noyce can direct: great characters, exotic locations and a pace that leaves you breathless. Kelly Masterson’s ability to weave multiple storylines and create complex characters is the perfect voice for this project.”

Masterson added: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Samuel L. Jackson and Phil Noyce. Roger Smith’s great novel will make a thrilling, powerful movie and I’m the lucky guy that gets to adapt it.”

Noyce is currently shooting Salt with Angelina Jolie for Columbia Pictures; his past credits include The Quiet American, Rabbit Proof Fence, Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger.

Noyce is represented by UTA, Masterson by Rhonda Bloom and ICM, and Jackson by Eli Selden at Anonymous Content and ICM. The book deal was negotiated by Jody Hotchkiss for Hotchkiss & Associates and the Martell Agency. Noyce’s deal was done by Wendy Kirk of Ziffren Brittenham, and Masterson’s deal by Marguerite M. Andro. Brian Kornreich negotiated all deals on behalf of GreeneStreet and A Bigger Boat.