War Machine sci-fi film set up at Lionsgate with Hitman’s Bodyguard director Patrick Hughes

Patrick Hughes, the talented filmmaker behind The Hitman’s Bodyguard, is setting up his War Machine sci-fi film over at Lionsgate. Hughes will write and direct the project, which Variety says is an action/sci-fi film about the final recruits of a grueling special ops boot camp who encounter a deadly force from beyond this world.

“Patrick is simply one of the best action directors working today, but what sets his movies apart is his focus on characters that cut through the mayhem. He came to us with a tremendous original idea and we’re thrilled to be shepherding it with Patrick in the driver’s seat,” says Lionsgate President of production Erin Westerman.

Both The Hitman’s Bodyguard and The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard were released by Lionsgate in 2017 and 2021, respectively. Together, the hilarious and action-packed series has grossed nearly $250 million at the worldwide box office. Both films star Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Salma Hayek as characters that will keep you laughing as they dodge bullets, trade insults, and ultimately save the day.

Little is known about Hughes’ War Machine beyond its general premise. No stars have been attached to the film at this time, but can you imagine Hughes taking his keen eye for action to the stars? I hope this movie goes balls to the wall with explosions, otherworldly creatures, and high-octane action.

Hughes’ next project is The Man From Toronto starring Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson. In the film, the world’s deadliest assassin and New York’s biggest screw-up are mistaken for each other at an Airbnb rental. Oh wow, that sounds ridiculous. I’m all in.

Are you intrigued by the premise behind Hughes’ War Machine? Let us know who you think should star in the upcoming project in the comments section below.