Today brings a batch of notable casting announcements and first up is Tom Hardy with news that he may be taking on a gangster feature. The actor, who, surprisingly, had no features theatrically released last year, is now in talks for Legend, which will see him playing a double role of the Kray twins. Written and directed by L.A. Confidential‘s Brian Helgeland, the film will follow the brothers as they take on a life of crime in a 1950s and 60s London. One can see more details on their life over at Screen Daily and if Hardy comes aboard, production could kick off later this year.
Next up, Tran Anh Hung is putting together his follow-up to Norwegian Wood, an adaptation of Alice Ferney’s novel L’élégance des Veuves, and today brings news of its main cast. According to Screen Daily, Mélanie Laurent, Audrey Tautou and Bérénice Bejo have joined the French-language project titled Eternité (Eternity). Set to begin production this summer, the film follows “three women who face up to tragedy and unhappiness with dignity.” If all goes according to plan, we’d expect this one to be ready for Cannes Film Festival 2015.
Once rumored to have Hugh Jackman in the lead, Universal Pictures have now confirmed who will be taking on their MI6 thriller Section 6. The Wrap reports that their star of the upcoming Unbroken, Jack O’Connell, will lead the project. Coming from Aaron Berg‘s script that looks at the formation of Britain’s MI6 around the time of World War I, no directors have been set yet, but expect it to be finalized soon. Meanwhile, Angelina Jolie‘s drama will arrive in theaters on Christmas Day.
Following the premiere of his latest drama, The Two Faces of January, Viggo Mortensen has lined up his next film, Captain Fantastic. Despite what the title may conjure, Deadline reports the Matt Ross-directed film will actually find the actor playing a father who, after living off the grid in the Northwest for a decade, must adjust to life in society along with his six kids. We were major fans of Ross’ debut 28 Hotel Rooms, so we’re definitely looking forward to his follow-up drama.
Lastly, A Prophet star Tahar Rahim, recently seen in Asghar Farhadi‘s The Past, has lined up another feature. Cineuropa reports that he’s joined the third film from Alexandre Coffre, Le Père Noël. Taking place on Christmas Eve, it follows a young boy who thinks Santa has arrived, only to find out he’s a burglar. They then join forces on a journey through the night. Also starring Victor Cabal, Philippe Rebbot, Anne-Lise Hesme, Amélie Glenn and Jean-François Cayrey, we expect an international festival bow next year.
Which upcoming projects are you most looking forward to?