Lionsgate UK has acquired the rights and partnered with producers Callum McDougall and Richard Whelan on a movie version of The Professionals…

Between them McDougall and Whelan have previously produced the last two James Bond films (Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace), as well as working on the Clash Of The Titans sequel and Captain America.

The Professionals will see ex-special ops mercenary Bodie and counter terrorism detective Doyle burst back onto screens in this “blistering origin story” that sees the characters unite in their first mission for covert British Security Unit CI5 (Criminal Intelligence 5).

“The Professionals was such an iconic British crime series that it’s a fantastic opportunity for Lionsgate to be able to bring it to the big screen for the first time,” said Zygi Kamasa, Chief Executive at Lionsgate UK.

“This production will combine the wit and fast-paced action of the original TV series but also completely reinvent it for a new, modern audience and we’re really looking forward to working with talented producers Callum and Richard on the film.”

Originally created by Brian Clemens, the TV series of The Professionals became a cult hit in the UK when the first series first aired in 1977.