Mark Wahlberg to topline remake of Iceland's Oscar submission

Mark Wahlbert at the NBA Finals this past June.

Credit: AP Photo/Chris Carlson

Mark Wahlberg recently wrapped the Steve Carrell/Tina Fey comedy "Date Night," but the "Entourage' executive producer and everyone in Holywood knows his bread and butter are thrillers and action flicks.  It's no surprise then that Wahlberg has climbed on board Working Title's remake of the buzzworthy Icelandic thriller "Reykjavik-Rotterdam."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the English-language remake will keep key elements of the original film's storyline which centers on a a former alcohol smuggler between Iceland and the Netherlands who tries to go straight as a security guard.  When he can't pay the bill he's recruited back into illegal activities. The cities and obviously the title will be changed for the Hollywood version.

Already critically acclaimed in Iceland, "Rotterdam" is the nation's official submission for the 2010 Academy Award for best foreign language film.

Working Title has brought on Aaron Guzikowski (the upcoming "Prisoners") to adapt "Rotterdam" into a new screenplay.  [Updated] In a vote of confidence, "Rotterdam's" original producer and star, Baltasar Kormakur, will step behind the camera to direct the new version.

Wahlberg will be seen later this year in Peter Jackson's "The Lovely Bones."