Lionsgate loves Katherine Heigl and crime thrillers. Not only is the company behind her upcoming film Killers, but it’s acquired the U.S. distribution rights for Lakeshore Entertainment and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment’s One for the Money as well, both of which are actioners. But don’t expect One for the Money to be Killers round two; the former is more of a suspense drama, whereas the latter is a flat out comedy.

One for the Money is based on Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books, a series about a recently divorced woman without a job and a purpose. With nowhere else to turn, she takes a job from her cousin who owns a bail bond business. It just so happens that Stephanie is assigned the case of Joseph Morelli, a cop wanted for murder and the guy who broke her heart back in high school. As described in the press release, “Stephanie gets resourceful and tough, as she is swept up in a suspenseful world of murder, deceit, with a bit of romance.”

Murder and deceit, but no comedy. Yes! This could be just what we need to restore faith in Heigl’s ability. It’s often said that even in the immensely successful comedy, Knocked Up, Heigl merely rode her co-star Seth Rogen’s wave to fame. She proved to be somewhat capable in 27 Dresses, but completely crashed and burned in the summer 2009 release The Ugly Truth. Based on a few book reviews, it seems as though Stephanie has a wit about her, so One for the Money could really be perfect for Heigl, something that removes her from the romantic comedy genre, but allows her to keep a foot in her comfort zone. Further making One for the Money a safe space for Heigl, it’ll reunite her with Julie Ann Robinson who directed a handful of episodes of Grey’s Anatomy.

By Perri Nemiroff (via ComingSoon)