With casting for the principal roles in Academy Award-winning writer/director Martin McDonagh's suspense thriller "In Bruges" confirmed, the project is gearing up for a February start date and shoot on location in Bruges, Belgium.

Part of Focus' expanded international film production slate, "In Bruges" will topline actors Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. Rounding out the cast are European rising stars Clémence Poésy and Jérémie Renier. In addition, two-time Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes will play a key supporting role.

"In Bruges" is the darkly comedic tale of the fates of hit men Ray and Ken (to be played by Farrell and Gleeson, respectively). After a difficult job in London, the team is ordered by their boss Harry (Fiennes) to cool their heels in Bruges. Very much out of their comfort zones, the men find themselves drawn into increasingly dangerous entanglements with locals, tourists, and a film shoot. Soon, their perspectives on life and death are violently skewed.

Poésy is cast as Chloe, a woman working on the movie who catches Ray's eye, to the displeasure of her ex-boyfriend Erik (Renier).

McDonagh is making his highly anticipated feature directorial debut on "In Bruges," from his original screenplay. He previously wrote and directed the Film4-backed Six Shooter, which earned him last year's Academy Award for Best Live-Action Short Film, and which also starred Mr. Gleeson.

The filmmaker is a two-time Olivier Award winner and a four-time Tony Award nominee. His plays include The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Cripple of Inishmaan, The Lonesome West, The Pillowman, and The Lieutenant of Inishmore.