Last night, it was reported that Emma Watson was in talks for the young female lead in Darren Aronofsky's anticipated Biblical epic
Noah, which is based on the director's graphic novel. It was also confirmed that Jennifer Connelly was in contention for the role of Noah's (Russell Crowe) wife. Now,
Variety reports that Liev Schreiber (best known to comic book fans as the actor behind Sabretooth in 2009's
X-Men Origins: Wolverine) is the leading contender for the film's villain. It was said that Liam Neeson was being eyed for that role, but Variety says that those reports are inaccurate (as well as Saoirse Ronan's involvement).
Additionally, the site reports that Julianne Moore (
Game Change) is being considered to play Noah's wife, Naameth. However, due to Moore's commitment to filming the
Carrie remake this summer, there's a good chance that she won't be cast in
Noah (especially since Jennifer Connelly, who's also in consideration, has worked with both Crowe and Aronofsky). Finally, Variety reveals that Dakota Fanning (
War Of The Worlds 2005) was originally in Emma Watson's role (a love interest to one of Noah's sons), but schedule conflicts forced Fanning to turn the offer down.
With production set to begin next month,
Noah (Which also stars Douglas Booth and Logan Lerman) will be released in theaters March 28th, 2014.