FilmDistrict has acquired U.S. distribution rights for director Paul W.S. Anderson’s (Resident Evil, The Three Musketeers) upcoming disaster film Pompeii.  The story “follows an enslaved Celtic gladiator who falls in love with a noblewoman on the eve of a massive volcanic eruption that destroys Pompeii, an event that also brings him face-to-face with the man who slaughtered his family years earlier.”  Kit Harington stars as the gladiator, while the rest of the cast is filled out by Emily Browning (Sucker Punch), Jared Harris, Kiefer Sutherland, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Lost), Jessica Lucas (Evil Dead), and recent addition Carrie-Anne Moss.

The script was written by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, and production is currently underway in Toronto.  FilmDistrict has set Pompeii for release on February 28, 2014.  Hit the jump to read the full press release.

Here’s the press release: 

FILMDISTRICT ACQUIRES U.S. DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS FOR

PAUL W.S. ANDERSON’S POMPEII

TriStar Pictures to Release Action Drama Starring Kit Harington, Emily Browning, Kiefer Sutherland, Jared Harris, and Carrie-Anne Moss on February 28, 2014

Los Angeles  April 9, 2013 – FilmDistrict announced today that it has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Constantin Film and Impact Pictures’ POMPEII, the period-based  action film from acclaimed director Paul W.S. Anderson. FilmDistrict will distribute POMPEII through Sony’s TriStar Pictures on February 28, 2014. The film stars Kit Harington (Game of Thrones), Emily Browning (SUCKER PUNCH), Jared Harris (THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES, SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS, Mad Men), Kiefer Sutherland (Touch24), Carrie-Anne Moss (THE MATRIX film franchise), Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Lost), and Jessica Lucas (EVIL DEAD). Jeremy Bolt, Anderson, Robert Kulzer and Don Carmody will produce the film, with Martin Moszkowicz, Peter Schlessel and Jon Brown serving as executive producers. Lee Batchler & Janet Scott Batchler (BATMAN FOREVER), Michael Robert Johnson (SHERLOCK HOLMES), and Academy Award® winner Julian Fellowes (GOSFORD PARK, Downton Abbey) wrote the screenplay for the film which is currently in production.

FilmDistrict’s CEO Peter Schlessel stated, “POMPEII is the kind of big and bold film we all love to go to the movies to experience.  We believe the film’s scope and story line will resonate well with US moviegoers and we are pleased to once again team with Sony on bringing a film to theaters and beyond.  We look forward to working closely with Paul, Jeremy, Robert, Don, Martin and Jon as their US distribution partner.”

The film follows an enslaved Celtic gladiator who falls in love with a noblewoman on the eve of a massive volcanic eruption that destroys Pompeii, an event that also brings him face-to-face with the man who slaughtered his family years earlier.

Lionsgate International will oversee international sales for POMPEII.