Curtis Jackson, a.k.a. 50 Cent, is set to star in and executive produce the sports heist thriller Free Agents, as per The Hollywood Reporter. The Lionsgate production will be helmed by Deon Taylor, who conceptualized the story and will direct and produce. Taylor also co-wrote the script with Joe Bockol. 

Free Agents revolves around a high-stakes heist enacted by select players of a professional football team, with the team’s corrupt owners as target. 50 Cent will play veteran baller and heist ring-leader who lures a young and naive player into the mix.

50 Cent’s involvement marks another milestone in his relationship with Lionsgate. He is the executive producer of Power Universe, a TV franchise that collaborates with and airs on Lionsgate-owned cable network Starz. Installents in the franchise include the series Power Book II: Ghost, Black Mafia Family, and the upcoming Power Book III: Raising Kanan. 

Erin Wasterman, president of production for Lionsgate’s moving picture group shares her enthusiasm to re-collaborate with the hip-hop-turned-media mogul, “50 is part of the Lionsgate family and time and again has proven to be a compelling presence as an actor.”

Filmmaker Deon Taylor’s impressive directing credits include Fatale starring Hilary Swank and Michael Ealy and Black and Blue with Naomie Harris and Tyrese Gibson. He also is set to direct the civil rights activist and Congressman John Lewis biopic Freedom Ride through his Hidden Empire Film Group. 

Taylor shares his respect for 50 Cent, “50 has been legendary in all ways I have been extremely impressed by his amazing energy on screen and his ability to light up every scene he is in. I truly believe this extremely complex role will truly allow the world to understand just how unbelievably talented 50 is as an artist.”

Free Agents is being produced by Taylor and partner Roxanne Avent Taylor on behalf of their company Hidden Empire Film Group. Hidden Empire holds a keen focus on sharing and elevating Black stories. Aaron Edmonds and Scott O’Brien will oversee production for Lionsgate.