Foxx has signed on to the psychological cop thriller, in which he'll play a "Death Wish"-like vigilante who considers himself a victim of the legal system's shortcomings. After one of the men who killed his wife and daughter goes free thanks to a plea bargain, the formerly law-abiding citizen becomes intent on punishing not only the killers, but also those who helped mastermind the deal.

Fast-rising "300" star Gerard Butler will bring his chiseled good looks and Scottish brogue to the role of a man trying to stop Foxx's one-man wrecking crew. A successful assistant district attorney, Butler's character finds himself the target of Foxx's wrath.

"Law Abiding Citizen" is written by Kurt Wimmer, a Hollywood veteran known primarily for his journeyman script work ("Sphere," "The Thomas Crown Affair," "The Recruit") but beloved by cult audiences for his underrated Christian Bale sci-fi flick "Equilibrium" and his unfortunate sophomore writing/directing effort "Ultraviolet." Wimmer has also been long-rumored to be the director of an upcoming film based on the hit video game "Metal Gear Solid."

Serving as Wimmer's co-writer and the director of "Citizen" is Frank Darabont, the three-time Oscar nominee who has given film fans such classics as "The Shawshank Redemption," "The Green Mile" and last year's beloved-but-undergrossing horror flick "The Mist." The writer/director has also been busy recently developing an updated film version of the Ray Bradbury novel "Fahrenheit 451," which was going to star Tom Hanks until he dropped out earlier this year.