Helen Mirren to star in John Madden’s “Debt”

Miramax has tapped Helen Mirren to play a Mossad agent in “The Debt” which will be directed by John  Madden.

Miramax acquired worldwide rights to “The Debt,” an English-language remake of Israeli thriller “Ha-hov” about three Israeli Mossad agents tracking down a Nazi war criminal over 30 years, in April.

Matthew Vaughn and Jane Goldmanis (”Stardust” co-writer) will pen the script.

“Helen Mirren is the perfect choice for the central role - a national celebrity and retired Mossad agent, a formidable and dignified woman grappling with years of emotional disappointment, suddenly confronted by a powerful and unexpected choice,”

said Madden.

Filming is set to start next year in the U.K., Germany and Israel.

Matthew Vaughn to Remake Israeli Thriller ‘The Debt’

Matthew Vaughn and Jane Goldman’s remake script for Israeli thriller “The Debt” has been picked up by Miramax.The story follows three Mossad agents who chase a Nazi war criminal across Europe 20 years after the Second World War has ended.

Vaughn has previously directed Layer Cake and Stardust, as well as producing Guy Ritchie’s early films. He is currently attached to direct Thor for Marvel Studios and Kick-Ass, based on Mark Millar’s comic series.

He will reportedly produce but not helm The Debt. Several directors are said to be interested in the project.

Goldman, the wife of TV presenter Jonathan Ross, co-wrote Stardust with Vaughn.