Lords of War, the sequel to Andrew Niccols 2005 crime thriller Lord of War, has been picked up by Vertical for the U.S. with a planned 2027 theatrical release.

Niccol wrote and directed the film that will see Nicolas Cage reprise his role as arms dealer Yuri Orlov. In the follow-up, Orlov finds out he has a son, Anton (Bill Skarsgard), who is building a mercenary army that will rival his fathers, setting up a father-son rivalry, all against the backdrop of Americas wars in the Middle East.

Vendme Pictures produced and financed the movie, which also stars Laura Harrier, Sylvia Hoeks and Greg Tarzan Davis. The film recently wrapped production in Morocco. Vertical is set to screen footage at CinemaCon for exhibitors.

Philippe Rousselet and Fabrice Gianfermi, who produced the original movie, produced Lords of War for Vendme Pictures. Niccol also produced, along with Cage for Saturn Films. Skarsgard, Alice Dawson, Fifth Seasons Graham Taylor and Christopher Slager, and Verticals Rich Goldberg and Peter Jarowey served as executive producers.

As a storyteller, I always felt there was so much more to explore with the merchant of death that is Nicolas Cages charming devil, Yuri Orlov. This latest chapter gave me the chance to introduce his ultimate rival: his illegitimate son, Anton illegitimate in every sense of the word played by the equally roguish Bill Skarsgard. Set against the largely unseen world of mercenaries, the film quickly reveals that Anton isnt out to right his fathers wrongs; hes out to top them, said Niccol.

Vendme Pictures and CAA Media Finance negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers. International sales are being handled by FilmNation Entertainment.