Dennis Quaid replaces Kiefer Sutherland in ‘The Florist’ N.J. action thriller — see new local casting call

“The Florist,” an action thriller about a florist who has another job as an assassin, is setting up production in New Jersey.

While Kiefer Sutherland was originally announced as the movie’s star, Dennis Quaid has replaced him in the role, a casting agency tells NJ Advance Media.

Quaid, 70, plays Carl Rikker, the florist-assassin who must protect a young girl in the movie. He stars alongside Jean Reno, an actor known for his roles in French and American films.

Babak Najafi (“Proud Mary,” “London Has Fallen”) is directing the film, which is written by Scott Windhauser and Eran Creevy.

The production, which will be concentrated in Jersey City and Hoboken, is casting New Jersey locals to serve as extras in the film (see details on when, where and how to apply below).

Quaid stars as a serial killer in the new Paramount+ series “Happy Face.” His many film credits include “The Right Stuff” (1983), “Innerspace” (1987), “The Parent Trap” (1998), “Traffic” (2000) and “The Substance” (2024), a best picture nominee at this year’s Oscars.

Quaid was nominated for an Emmy and Golden Globe for his performance as President Bill Clinton in HBO’s “The Special Relationship” (2010), and won Independent Spirit Awards for his performances in “Far From Heaven” (2002) and “The Big Easy” (1986).

Reno, 76, is a veteran of action films, having starred in “Léon: The Professional” (1984), “La Femme Nikita” (1990), “Mission: Impossible” (1996) and “Ronin” (1998), among other movies.

Bill Marinella Casting is holding an open call for background actors in “The Florist” Sunday, March 30 in Hoboken, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Garden Street School of the Performing Arts (1018 Washington St., second floor of the MT Bank building).

Anyone interested in being an extra/background actor can register and create a profile at castbmc.app/talent to apply before going to the casting call.