Statham to take on Reynolds' character in revamped Heat

Movie tough guy Jason Statham is stepping into Burt Reynolds' shoes to star in a modern-day remake of cult 1986 action thriller Heat.

Acclaimed Scarface filmmaker Brian De Palma will direct the movie, based on William Goldman's book of the same name.

Statham will play a recovering gambling addict who offers his tough-guy services as a bodyguard-for-hire.

Oscar-winning screenwriter Goldman, who penned the original screenplay for Reynolds' film, will adapt his novel for the big screen once again.

Statham will also serve as co-producer of the new project, which was announced at the Berlin Film Festival in Germany this week.