Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight, Sully) is set to return to the Muzzle universe in action thriller Muzzle: City of Wolves.

The actioner marks the sequel to Muzzle and will be directed by John Stalberg Jr. (Lionsgate’s Crypto), who also directed the first installment. Jacob Michael King (Caviar) wrote the script from a story by Carlyle Eubank (The Signal) and Stalberg Jr.

Highland Film Group is handling international rights and introducing Muzzle: City of Wolves to buyers at the Marché du Film.

In Muzzle: City of Wolves, Jake Rosser (Eckhart), haunted by PTSD from his days as a K-9 officer, endeavors to lead a peaceful life with his family and retired K-9 companion, Socks. But the tranquility quickly dissolves when a ruthless gang targets them in a brutal attack. Determined to protect his loved ones, Jake and his new K-9 partner Argos delve into a violent underbelly of crime where Jake confronts corrupt officials, uncovers a perilous drug trafficking ring and battles his own inner demons.

Muzzle: City of Wolves is produced by Stalberg Jr. through his production shingle Slow Burn along with David Frigerio through his Broken Open Pictures (Land of Bad, Muzzle) and Highland Film Group. The film is executive produced by Tim O’Hair and RuthAnne Frigerio for Broken Open Pictures and Carlyle Eubank and David Guglielmo for Slow Burn.

“I’m chomping at the bit to dive back into the world of Muzzle with Aaron Eckhart,” Stalberg Jr. said. “Aaron embodies Jake Rosser — a flawed hero we need right now, who walks the razor’s edge between justice and vengeance. In this sequel, we crank it all up to 11. Expect more raw action, heart-stopping suspense, and a whole lot of righteous fury. We won’t pull any punches, just like Jake. And this time around, he’s got a few surprises up his sleeve.”

Added Highland Film Group CEO Arianna Fraser: “We are exhilarated to dive back into this action-packed universe and the L.A. criminal underworld led once again by the phenomenal Aaron Eckhart. His talent and commanding presence helped make the first film a standout success.”

Eckhart is repped by CAA and Hirsch, Wallerstein, Hayum, Matlof & Fishman.

By Alex Ritman, Variety