Samuel L. Jackson is in talks to star as the title character in the Screen Gems action-comedy The Black Phantom, replacing Jamie Foxx.

We reported in March that both Jamie Foxx and Kevin Hart were in talks to star, but Jamie Foxx was forced to pull out due to scheduling conflicts. The story centers on a hitman (Kevin Hart) who learns that his employer has sent a colleague known only as The Black Phantom (Samuel L. Jackson) to kill him. They end up forming a unique partnership together as they seek revenge.

Tim Story is directing from a screenplay by Dave Lease and Megan Hinds, which has been in development at Screen Gems since 2009 when the studio first picked up the script. This project will mark the first time that Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Hart will share the screen together. No production schedule was given.

Samuel L. Jackson most recently starred in RoboCop and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. He will next be seen in Kite and Kingsman: The Secret Service.