Disney has announced that Alfred Molina and Ben Kingsley have been cast in the big screen adaptation of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, joining Jake Gyllenhaal and Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace). Disney’s live-action adaptation of the popular action adventure video game series, follows an adventurous prince Dastan (Gyllenhaal) who must join forces with a rival princess Tamina (Arterton), a feisty and exotic princess to prevent a villainous nobleman from possessing the Sands of Time, a gift from the gods that can reverse time. Molina will play Sheik Amar, a mentor to the prince, and we’re guessing that Kingsley will probably play Vizier, the main villain of the film.
I really love the recent trend of casting up for the talent in Summer Blockbusters. Casting UP immediately raises the level of the film. Look at Batman Begins and The Dark Knight as great examples of this. Look at what Johnny Depp did for Pirates of the Caribbean. If this was ten years ago, Robin Williams would have been cast in Molina’s role. It’s great to see popcorn movies, and now video game adaptations, finally being taken more seriously in this respect. I mean, remember when Raiders of the Lost Ark won four Academy Awards and popcorn films weren’t completely looked down upon? I think we’re entering a new era. Even the director Mike Newell is a few steps up the ladder of directing talent for this type of film (Paul WS Anderson anyone?).
source: Variety
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:45 am
for me, alfred molina’s doc ock is the best comic book movie villian we’ve ever seen (yes, yes - soon to be replaced by heath). like peter said, i think adding him & sir ben makes this a very serious take on a video game, and i’m sure it will cause a positive trend.
now can someone please confirm those pta rumor’s for metal gear - that would be simply epic!
June 3rd, 2008 at 1:55 am
@ orange
http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/05/13/konami-says-paul-thomas-anderson-is-circling-metal-gear-solid/
It’s not true.
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:00 am
Now all we need is Natasha Henstridge and we can have a Species reunion! If Indy can battle aliens, why not the Prince of Persia? :)
June 3rd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I’m boycotting the movie. I’m disgusted that Jack Gyllenhaal, who is WHITE, is being casted to play an ethnic/Persian character.
June 3rd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
@ AB
Get off your high horse. There are so many actors playing out of their ethnicity these days that I doubt you’ll ever see another movie at this rate. Go ahead and boycott. I doubt you’ll be missed. All I care about is performance and if he can pull it off more power to him.
June 3rd, 2008 at 8:44 pm
If the Wayans can be white females and Downey Jr. can be a black dude, i’m sure gyllenhaal will be just fine. they could’ve done worse.