Robert De Niro Joins Jason Statham and Clive Owen in THE KILLER ELITE

Adding a bit more credibility to a project that already sounded interesting, Robert De Niro has joined the cast of The Killer Elite. We've known for a while that Jason Statham and Clive Owen were set to star, and Moviehole reports "Chuck" actress Yvonne Strahovski and "Prison Break" star Dominic Purcell are also involved with the project.

Relative newcomer Gary McKendry is directing this film, which may or may not be a remake of a 1975 Sam Pekinpah thriller of the same name. If true, this casting news wouldn't be out of place; the original film also wrangled an impressive action star cast featuring James Caan and Robert Duvall.

In any case, here's the synopsis for those of you who are just joining us:

Based on Ranulph Fiennes' novel "The Feather Men," [The Killer Elite follows] a group of former British special forces members being hunted by a team of assassins led by Statham's character, a former Navy Seal. Owen will take on the role of a senior field operative and member of a clandestine group protecting former special forces soldiers and their families.

As of now, we don't know which character De Niro (or any of the new additions) will be playing. The only thing that's been hinted at is Yvonne Strahovski is playing Statham's love interest.

The Killer Elite started filming last Friday, and there's no word yet on an official release date. What do you think about the addition of De Niro and Company to the cast?