Gerard Depardieu is set to join Vincent Cassel in the story of the notorious French gangster Jacques Mesrine. His life will be split between two films L'Instinct de Mort (Death Instinct) and L'Ennemi Public no.1 (Public Enemy No. 1).

Also set to star are such names as Marion Cottillard and Eva Green. Cassel's father, Jean-Pierre Cassel is also set to star.

The films are to be directed by Jean-Francois Richet, the man who directed the Assault on Precinct 13 (Filmstalker review) remake a film which I'm just discussing in the "Gerard Butler to star in Escape From New York remake" story is actually a very strong remake.

The news of Depardieu joining the film comes from The Hollywood Reporter.

Director aside, Cassel is a stunning force of an actor, and he ranks right alongside the, at times, top of the profession Depardieu. I'm really looking forward to these two films, even though I know nothing of the story of Jacques Mesrine.