I'm not sure whether to be happy or sad about this. But then he hasn't said yes yet. Twitch actually broke this story, but then we could only write it up as a rumor. Now it seems that WB are definitely pursuing the mighty Gary Oldman for a role in their live action Akira flick. They also reveal that he is being looked at for the role of the Wizard Merlin in a new take on the Arthurian legend..
The advance accolades for Gary Oldman’s work in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy has put the actor in high demand. He’s Warner Bros’ choice not only to play the role of The Colonel in Akira (Garrett Hedlund will star in one of the two leads in the Jaume Collet-Serra-directed film), but also to play Merlin in Arthur & Lancelot, which David Dobkin will direct from his own script.
Oldman was "in high demand" long before his performance in
Tinker Taylor but whatever. Deadline also seem fairly certain that Hedlund will play as either Tetsuo or Kaneda. If Oldman does sign on it will certainly lend this movie a lot of credibility. If however he does not it might be a good indication of the quality (or lack thereof) of the script. We can also assume from this that Twitch were spot on with the offer to Helena Bonham Carter to play Lady Miyako.
UPDATE: THR report that as well as Oldman and Bonham Carter
Kiera Knightly has been approached for a role. No indication as to which part, but one would assume it would be that of Kaneda's love interest Kai.
By TwitterButtons.com
About The Author:
Mark Cassidy is a writer, photographer, amateur filmmaker, and Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic from Dublin, Ireland.