Universal Pictures announced that production is under way on Mena, while confirming several new cast members as well. This international escapade is based on the outrageous (and real) exploits of Barry Seal, a hustler and pilot unexpectedly recruited by the CIA to run one of the biggest covert operations in U.S. history. Here's what director Doug Liman, who reunites with his Edge of Tomorrow star Tom Cruise on the project, had to say in a statement.

"I love stories of improbable heroes working against the system, and Barry Seal took the government, and our country, for an unbelievable ride. Interpreting his story has the makings for an entertaining film that is equal parts satire, suspense and comedy-and always surprising."

The supporting cast of Mena includes Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright, Jesse Plemons, Caleb Landry Jones, Jayma Mays, Benito Martinez, E. Roger Mitchell, Lola Kirke and Alejandro Edda. Cross Creek Pictures will fully finance Mena. The producers include Cross Creek's Brian Oliver and Tyler Thompson, Imagine Entertainment's Brian Grazer and Kim Roth, and Quadrant Pictures' Doug Davidson.

Doug Liman's creative team on Mena are cinematographer César Charlone, production designer Dan Weil (The Bourne Identity), editor Dylan Tichenor and costume designer Jenny Gering. Mena will film through July in several Georgia counties including Cherokee, Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinett, Morgan, Pickens and others. The movie will be released by Universal Pictures on Friday, January 6, 2017.