Will Smith to star in "Sugar Bandits"

Will Smith is set to headline the action-thriller "Sugar Bandits," poised to be a standout project at the upcoming European Film Market.

Details regarding the plot of the crime film, adapted from author Chuck Hogan’s novel "Devils in Exile," are being kept under wraps. AGC Studios is backing the movie, which currently lacks a director but will be presented at the EFM in Berlin this month, coinciding with the market's launch on Thursday.

Smith and Jon Mone will produce for Westbrook Studios, with Ryan Shimazaki overseeing the project. Additional producers include Stuart Ford for AGC Studios and Richard Abate for 3 Arts Entertainment. AGC International and CAA Media Finance will handle worldwide distribution rights.


Hogan, known for works like "The Town" and "13 Hours," penned the screenplay for "Sugar Bandits," adapting his own 2010 novel. The story revolves around Neal Maven, a Boston-based Iraq War veteran who, facing few job prospects, teams up with fellow soldiers to pilfer from local drug dealers.

Previously, "Sugar Bandits" was in development over a decade ago at Universal Pictures, with Joe Carnahan in discussions to direct.

Smith's recent project was Antoine Fuqua’s historical thriller "Emancipation," released on Apple TV+ less than a year after the actor made headlines for an incident involving Chris Rock at the Oscars. His upcoming ventures include the fourth installment in the "Bad Boys" franchise and a sequel to "I Am Legend."

The EFM will run from Feb. 15-21 in tandem with the Berlin Film Festival, commencing on the same day.

Smith is represented by CAA, while Hogan is represented by WME and 3 Arts Entertainment.