David Belle, who is generally considered to be the inventor of parkour(or free running, basically leaping over objects and bounding off walls) will be reprising his starring role as Leito, the streetwise fighter and neighborhood protector who has his sister kidnapped by a bunch of thugs. Deadline reports his name will be Lino in this version, chosen ahead of a number of actors who apparently wanted the role. Besson wisely put his foot down and demanded it be Belle or nobody. Good move. The film's setting will likely change from France to Chicago, and it's expected that one of Besson's many proteges will take over the directing job.
I lied a little bit. There is more bad news. Paul Walker(Fast and the Furious) is in talks for the other lead role, that of the undercover detective who seeks Lino's aid in finding a WMD stolen by the same gang leader who kidnapped Lino's sis. Walker has plenty of action movie experience, but not on the level a film like Brick Mansions would require. Then again some of the athleticsm will likely be toned down, so maybe Walker will fit right in. I'd still rather see an unknown, with more martial arts experience, in the role.
If you want a good taste of what District B13 is all about, check out the awesome opening chase scene...
