Lionsgate packs up 'Transporter'

Lionsgate has spirited away domestic and Canadian rights to the third “Transporter” movie starring Jason Statham (“Crank”).

Actioner also stars Robert Knepper (“Prison Break”) and returning cast member Francois Berleand (“Place Vendome”). Principal photography in France and Russia wrapped in early May, and the movie is in post-production.

Helmed by Olivier Megaton (“The Red Siren”), pic was scripted by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen and produced jointly by Besson’s EuropaCorp, TF1 Films Prods., Grive Prods. and Apipoulai Production, in association with Current Entertainment.

Lionsgate has announced a Thanksgiving release, with Canada’s Maple Pictures distributing in the Great White North. Lionsgate’s Jason Constantine, acquisition veep Eda Kowan and legal exec VP Wendy Jaffe negotiated the deal with Le Pogam on behalf of the producers.

Combined worldwide box office for the franchise thus far exceeds $130 million.