Remember that one time when Taylor Lautner was poised to be a big action star with his breakout role in Abduction only to have the film absolutely bomb?  Well apparently Lautner is ready to give the whole “action star” thing another go, as it was announced today that the Twilight star will topline Tracers with Daniel Benmayor (the Manhunt) onboard as director.  Lautner stars as a New York City bicycle messenger who is “the hottest thing on two wheels” (this is literally how the character is described).  He’s in debt to an organized crime organization, but he crashes his bike into a “sexy stranger” and becomes seduced by the world of parkour.  Apparently picking up parkour as a hobby magically gets you out of debt.  Hit the jump for more, including the full press release that features a wonderfully absurd logline.

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I understand that Lautner is eager to break out of the Twilight typecasting, but Abduction crashed and burned and this project sounds absolutely ridiculous.  Lautner’s Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson is actually making some fantastic acting choices (Cosmopolis looks splendidly trippy), but this Tracers thing sounds like a fake movie from Funny People.  Sadly, the project is very, very real.  Read the press release below.

Los Angeles, May 14, 2012 – FilmNation Entertainment will introduce the action thriller TRACERS to international buyers at the Cannes Film Festival. From the producers of Twilight and Dear John, TRACERS will star Taylor Lautner (The Twilight Saga, Abduction) and will be directed by Daniel Benmayor (Bruc, the Manhunt). Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey of Temple Hill Entertainment will produce. WME will handle sales in the US.

New York City bicycle messenger, Cam (Lautner) is the hottest thing on two wheels, but is in debt to an organized crime gang.  When he crashes his bike into a sexy stranger, Nikki, Cam is immediately seduced by her and the thrill of the world of parkour.

At Cannes, FilmNation Entertainment is also handling international sales on THE BLING RING from director Sofia Coppola. In addition, FilmNation has two in-competition titles: LAWLESS from director John Hillcoat starring Shia LaBeouf and Tom Hardy; and Jeff Nichols’ MUD which is also produced by FilmNation’s Aaron Ryder, starring Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon.