After a successful collaboration on Universal Pictures' AMERICAN PIE and AMERICAN PIE 2, Seann William Scott, who played hapless wiseguy Stifler, has signed an 18-month first-look production deal with the studio.
As part of the deal, Scott has signed on to star in two features for the studio, an untitled action-adventure directed by Peter Berg and starring the Rock, as well as AMERICAN PIE 3. Sources said the total value of the deal, including the two features and the production deal, moves the actor into the eight-figure range.
The production company, which has yet to be named, will be based on the studio lot and is expected to staff up shortly.
The action-adventure feature, which also stars Christopher Walken, is set to begin shooting later this summer, and PIE 3 is scheduled to begin shooting in January. Several of the other original cast members are expected to return, with a director expected to be announced shortly.
"We're delighted to have Seann back with us, both as a star of two upcoming films and as a producer, with whom we can creatively collaborate on future projects," Universal Pictures production presidents Mary Parent and Scott Stuber said.
Added chairman Stacey Snider: "We immediately recognized Seann's talent and charisma four years ago when we were making the first AMERICAN PIE, and since then, he's gone on to become one of the most sought-after and versatile young actors working today."
In the Berg-directed feature -- previously known as HELLDORADO -- Scott will play Travis, a young man from a powerful family who goes off in search of a gold mine in the Amazon, only to be retrieved by a mercenary named Beck (the Rock), hired by Travis' father. Despite their hostility and their love for the same woman, the two eventually must join forces to fight against the head of a gold-mining corporation (Walken) who is also after the treasure.
In PIE 3," Scott will reprise his role as Stifler. Adam Herz, who wrote the previous installments, is writing the screenplay, with Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz, Chris Moore, Warren Zide, Craig Perry and Chris Bender joining Herz as producers.
Scott, repped by the Gersh Agency and attorney David Weber, next stars in MGM's action-thriller BULLETPROOF MONK and the indie feature STARK RAVING MADE. His film credits include EVOLUTION, ROAD TRIP and JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK.
Thanks to Daily Variety
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