Dev Patel fans have reason to celebrate as A24 recently acquired the rights to his upcoming thriller, The Peasant. Patel will direct and star in the film, described as a blend of Braveheart and John Wick, set in a medieval backdrop with King Arthur vibes. The project gained initial attention on the 2023 Black List, which highlighted unproduced screenplays.

Originally planned with an Italian setting, the movie has been reimagined to feature a feudal version of India. This upcoming revenge thriller marks another bold and creative venture for Patel, with hopes of developing it into a massive franchise. The deal closed at $30 million, according to Deadline.

The Peasant is set in the 1300s and centers on a shepherd who launches a rage-fueled campaign against mercenary knights who ransacked his community. This role is reminiscent of his character in 2008’s Slumdog Millionaire, where he also faced dangerous encounters. Like Slumdog Millionaire, it’s a rags-to-riches story, though told in an unconventional way.

While details remain scarce, the aim is to begin shooting this year. Patel, primarily known for his acting, made a significant career leap with his directorial debut in 2024’s Monkey Man. He is partnering again with Thunder Road Pictures, the production company behind Monkey Man and the John Wick franchise, suggesting intense revenge scenes can be expected.

The Peasant combines multiple themes from Patel’s past works while venturing into a new medieval setting, maintaining a focus on Indian culture. Directing is a new field for Patel, and he has acknowledged the challenges. In a Reddit AMA, he described directing, writing, and acting in one movie as “the most demanding thing” he has ever done. Despite budget limitations, he successfully debuted as a director, and with support from A24 and other production houses, he is poised for success with The Peasant. Slumdog Millionaire is available on Netflix.