Lively may seem like an unusual choice to helm an action film, given that she is still best known for appearing as Serena van der Woodsen in teen TV show Gossip Girl.

She has also starred in teen comedies and romantic dramas, such as The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants and The Age of Adaline, and carefully crafted an image as a ‘celebrity homemaker’ with the launch of a food and interiors website (the short-lived preserve.us).

However, The Rhythm Section won’t be the first time that the actress has tried her hand at an action role.

She appeared opposite future husband Ryan Reynolds in superhero movie Green Lantern, and also featured in crime thriller Savages.

Last year, Lively starred in The Shallows, a surf survival thriller that saw her do battle with a murderous great white shark. That film’s commercial success and positive critical reception appear to have solidified her status as a bankable action heroine.

Whether The Rhythm Section will be any good remains to be seen – but with this team behind it, we’ve got high hopes.

Images: Rex Features

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