With just a few weeks to go before filming was scheduled to start on Nick Love’s big-screen adaptation of the cult classic 70s cop show THE SWEENY, Fox Searchlight has halted production on the $16 million movie, as they're unsure about the international appeal of this very British show.

The main concern seems to be the lack of a 'name' actor.

Ray Winstone had been set for some time to play Jack Regan, the role made famous by John Thaw, but talk of a big name to play his younger partner George Carter (the Dennis Waterman) part had fizzled out.

And while the movie was virtually assured to attract a sizeable audience back in Blighty, representatives for DNA Films, the company producing the movie, said that Fox Searchlight weren’t so sure about the movie’s chances overseas, hence the temporary pulling of the plug.

There’s still a good chance that the movie will go before the cameras next year, giving DNA and Love a chance to nab a big-name that will sell the movie abroad. Early rumours are slating Jason Statham, I pray to god they're wrong...

Source: Empire