Professional Motion Picture Production and Distribution NEWS

(Los Angeles, CA) Billy Bob Thornton has signed on to star opposite Dwayne Johnson in "Faster," a co-production of CBS Films and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group. The announcement was made by Amy Baer, President and Chief Executive Officer of CBS Films, the feature film division of CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS). The project, which is scheduled to start principal photography in mid-January, will be directed by George Tillman, Jr. ("Notorious," "Men of Honor," "Soul Food").

In this action thriller scripted by Joe and Tony Gayton, an ex-con (Johnson) sets out to avenge his brother's murder with a deadly to-do list. Trailed by a veteran cop (Thornton) and an egocentric hit man, he methodically races against time to bring those responsible to 'justice.' Casting for the hit man is currently underway.

The film will be produced by Castle Rock Entertainment's Martin Shafer and Liz Glotzer, alongside Tony Gayton and Robert Teitel. Joe Gayton will executive produce.

An accomplished actor/director, and an Academy Award�-winning screenwriter (for "Sling Blade," of which he also starred and directed), Thornton has over 40 film credits to his name including "A Simple Plan," "Pushing Tin," "Monster's Ball," "Bad Santa," and, most recently, "Eagle Eye." In addition to starring in "Faster," Thornton will co-produce the upcoming "Three Nights In August," an adaptation of H.G. "Buzz" Bissinger's ("Friday Night Lights") book about the 2003 three-game baseball series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs.

Resources:

CBS Films: www.cbsfilms.com

CBS Corporation: www.cbscorporation.com