Well it seems those hoping for a bit of Japanese flavor in Warner Bros' live action adaptation of the classic Manga may get their wish as it appears the Oscar nominated Ken Watanabe has been offered an important role in the movie.
Twitch report..
Twitch broke word late in October that Gary Oldman had been offered the part of The Colonel in the film and now, with the actor and Warner Brothers unable to close the deal, we have learned that the part is being offered to Ken Watanabe instead.
I must admit, Oldman would have been a great addition to the cast but his
Batman Begins co-star is certainly a worthy replacement should he accept. Many fans have been hoping that some of the cast members would be of Asian origin to reflect the original Manga and Anime's Japanese roots and Watanabe is definitely the highest profile, and arguably the best, Japanese actor currently working in America.
So far the only cast member to be nailed down for sure is Garret Hedlund who will play Kaneda. It looks as if Kristen Stewart will play Ky (changed from the original's Kei) and several actors tested this week for the role of Tetsuo. Any updates as we have em.
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Mark Cassidy is a writer, photographer, amateur filmmaker, and Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic from Dublin, Ireland.