Casting Bits: Keira Knightley Approached For ‘Akira’, Gary Oldman Wanted For ‘Arthur & Lancelot’, Holly Hunter And Elisabeth Moss In Jane Campion Miniseries
AsGarrett Hedlundcontinues hisnegotiationsover the lead role of Kaneda in Warner Bros.‘Akiraremake, the studio and directorJaume Collet-Serraare wasting no time filling in the other roles as well. Buried in one report about Hedlund starring in the film was a tidbit aboutKeira Knightleybeing approached for the project. Though her possible role has not been revealed, I’m guessing she’s up for the part of Kaneda’s love interest Kei, member of an underground rebel group.
Knightley’s involvement is far from a done deal at this point, as she’s yet to enter talks.Helena Bonham CarterandGary Oldman, who were also given offerslast month, apparently aren’t any farther along in the process either. Still, the fact that they’ve been approached at all suggests the filmmakers are hoping for a certain caliber of talent for the movie. (Not to mention a certain level of British-ness.) Knightley and Bonham Carter have both been nominated for Oscars in the past, and while Oldman has somehow escaped that honor, it’s not for lack of deserving. [The Hollywood ReporterviaThe Playlist]
After the jump, another potential project for Gary Oldman, while Jane Campion gets Holly Hunter, Elisabeth Moss, Peter Mullan, and David Wenham to sign on for her latest.
Joel Kinnaman(The Killing) landed the part of Lancelotlast week, but the role of Arthur has yet to be cast.Game of Thrones’Kit Harringtonhasemergedas one strong possibility, but the studio is still preparing to test actors for the character. [Deadline]Holly Hunter,Elisabeth Moss,David Wenham, andPeter Mullanare lined up to star inTop of the Lake, a BBC Two miniseries directed byJane Campion. Hunter has worked with Campion previously, winning a Best Actress Oscar for her turn in Campion’sThe Piano.
Set in a remote area of New Zealand,Top of the Lakecenters around the mysterious disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old named Tui. Moss will play Robin Griffin, the detective tasked with finding the missing girl. Mullan will co-star as Tui’s father, a local drug lord, while Hunter will play the leader of a local women’s camp. Shooting is slated to begin February in Campion’s native New Zealand. [Deadline]
