Samuel L. Jackson eyes modern-day gladiator film

LOS ANGELES  - Samuel L. Jackson and Kellan Lutz are in talks to star in "Deathgames," an indie action movie that begins shooting next month in Louisiana.

Lutz plays a young man who is kidnapped and forced into the savage world of a modern gladiator arena, where men fight to the death for entertainment of the online masses. Jackson orchestrates the games, overseeing them from his computer lair with the help of twin ladies who see to his every desire.

Jonah Loop, a visual effects supervisor on such pictures as "Collateral" and "A Perfect Getaway," is making his directorial debut with the film, which is being produced by Motion Picture Corporation of America.

Jackson plays Nick Fury in "Iron Man 2," which opens May 7, then will appear opposite Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg in the action comedy "The Other Guys," set for an August 6 bow.

Lutz, who appears in the upcoming remake of "A Nightmare on Elm Street," next week begins shooting the Dermot Mulroney-directed romantic comedy "Keep It Together" opposite Mandy Moore.