Update! Moviehole has spoken to someone on the production in Melbourne who confirms Robert De Niro and Aden Young’s involvement, as well as adds two more names to the cast : terrific local actors Ben Mendelsohn (“Animal Kingdom”) and Lachy Hulme (“Macbeth”).

De Niro is playing “Hunter” — the mentor and best friend of “Danny,” played by Jason Statham. Hunter has been kidnapped by an Arab sheik who blackmails Danny into killing “Harris” (Hulme) in order to secure Hunter’s release. Filming begun last Friday in Melbourne.

The Garry McKendry-directed “Killer Elite” stars – in addition to the aforementioned Robert De Niro, Ben Mendelsohn, Aden Young and Lachy Hulme – Clive Owen, Jason Statham, Yvonne Strahovski, and Firass Dirani.

Here’s the Original Story…

A couple of weeks ago What’s Playing exclusively reported that “Chuck” actress Yvonne Strahovski was set to join Clive Owen and Jason Statham in the Australian-filmed action/thriller “The Killer Elite” for director Garry McKendry.

The Herald-Sun has confirmed the casting, plus added three more names to the impressive star roster : Dominic Purcell, Robert De Niro and Firass Dirani. Moviehole also hears that popular Australian actor Aden Young (“The Starter Wife”) may have snagged a role.

The newspaper says De Niro is merely rumoured for a role in the directed thriller, but that “Underbelly : The Golden Mile” star Dirani and former “Prison Break” fave Purcell are locks.

De Niro co-owns the restaurant Nobu here in Melbourne, so it’s suggested he’ll likely take the role so he can oversee his eating establishment for a few weeks. It’s not known which role De Niro would be playing only that it’s a “key” character.

The film tells of a group of former British special forces members who are being hunted by assassins. Statham is set to play a former NAVY Seal that is forced out of retirement to save a friend.

Strahvoski is playing Statham’s love interest.