Variety reports that Oscar-winner Helen Mirren has joined Red, Summit’s Warren Ellis graphic novel adaptation.

Here’s the plot: “The three-book series, published in 2003 and 2004, follows a former black-ops CIA agent who lives a quiet life in retirement until the day a high-tech assassin shows up intent on killing him.”

The film stars Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman, who one would assume will play either assassins, a pairing that is more than desirable no matter how droll the subject matter sounds. Add Mirren into the mix (in whatever capacity) and this is very good news. The film is set to start shooting in January and release in theaters next November. Plan on that changing, as it usually does.

What do you think of this news?