Renny Harlin is an action director at heart, known for his big 1990’s movies Die Hard 2 and Cliffhanger. Harlin recently moved to Beijing and has been chosen to direct a variety of Chinese films, his most recent release being the comedy Skiptrace with Jackie Chan and Johnny Knoxville. He has recently picked up the director’s spot for Operation Somalia, a new action film based on a true story, according to Hollywood Reporter.

Operation Somalia will be based on a rescue operation conducted by Chinese operatives against Somalian pirates. The film looks to have a budget of around $30 million, and will be produced by a host of companies, including Mailang Pictures, Mythological Universe, Jindun Film, and the Television Center of the Ministry of Public Security. The film’s production will be led by actor Zhiyuan Zhang, known for his role in the web series Go Princess Go. 

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Harlin has said: “I love working in China and Operation Somalia gives me the type of canvas that a filmmaker can only dream of. Mr. Zhang has put together an exceptional production, and having the support of Jindun Film & Television Center of the Ministry of Public Security is an honor to our team.” Filming for Operation Somalia will begin in 2018 in China and Australia with no current release date.