Paul Feig in Talks to Direct ‘Italian Job’ Sequel at Paramount

Paul Feig, who gained fame with the successful 2023 heist film "The Housemaid," is reportedly in preliminary discussions with Paramount to direct a sequel to the 2003 film "The Italian Job." The original movie, directed by F. Gary Gray and starring Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron and Edward Norton, is based on a 1969 comedy starring Michael Caine but offers its own thrilling version.

It chronicles a group of thieves seeking vengeance against a former collaborator who betrayed them, aiming to reclaim $35 million in gold they had stolen from a Venetian vault. Known for its adrenaline-pumping chase scene featuring Mini Coopers racing through Los Angeles and across the L.A. River, "The Italian Job" achieved a decent box office success, earning $176 million worldwide against a $60 million budget.

While no talent is currently attached to the planned sequel, if it proceeds, it will not be the only heist film joining Paramount's lineup. Since their acquisition by Skydance last year, Paramount's new leadership, under Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, has announced their first greenlit project, the motorcycle crime film "High Side" starring Timothée Chalamet, directed by James Mangold.

Additionally, Feig is currently working on a sequel to "The Housemaid," titled "The Housemaid’s Secret," based on the novel by Freida McFadden and set for release on December 17, 2027. Feig, who is represented by CAA and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern, is the subject of these discussions, which were first reported by Deadline.