Woody Harrelson cast as 'The Walker'

NEW YORK, March 24 (UPI) -- Preparations are under way to start filming "The Walker," described by director Paul Schrader as "American Gigolo" at 50.

Schrader, who directed Richard Gere in "American Gigolo," will have Woody Harrelson as his leading man this time around, as a high-priced society escort, Daily Variety reports.

"His gifts are now more social than sexual," Schrader told Variety. "He's this society walker who has his lady friends, and a boyfriend on the side."

The film, shooting next week in Britain, also features Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily Tomlin and Lauren Bacall.