Parker's Pals

Character actors Clifton Collins Jr. (Star Trek, Capote) and Wendell Pierce have signed on for Taylor Hackford's action film "Parker" says Variety.

The film adapts late author Donald Westlake Parker novel series, in which Jason Statham plays a thief who follows a strict moral code who's willing to kill if crossed.

Jennifer Lopez plays Leslie, a woman who gets involved with Parker as he executes a heist.

Hackford directs from an adapted script by John J. McLaughlin ("Black Swan").

Hackford, Steven Chasman, Les Alexander, Sidney Kimmel and Jonathan Mitchell will produce

The potential franchise launcher begins production in August.