In March we told you that Miley Cyrus’s boytoy, Liam Hemsworth, would be playing the lead in the 3-D remake of Arabian Nights, a film that was produced originally in 1942. Chuck Russell (The Scorpion King, Eraser) is directing from a script that he co-wrote with Barry P. Ambrose.
Hemsworth will play a young commander who joins forces with Sinbad, Ali Baba and the Genie from the magic lamp to rescue the queen. As we still await who will be cast in those roles, we do know who will play the villain.
Heat Vision has news that Sir Anthony Hopkins is in negotiations to play the villain in the film. He’ll play Pharotu, an evil sorcerer who killed Sinbad’s love, a mermaid, and is looking to amass more magic for himself. It used to be that a liver, some fava beans and nice chianti was enough to fill his palate. Now he wants magic. Well, let’s just hope this production isn’t as plagued as The Wolfman.
With the pairing, Sir Anthony will have the distinction of being one of the first actors play alongside both Liam Hemsworth and his brother Chris. (Hopkins and Chris Hemsworth appear in the summer 2011 release Thor.)
Sound off: As much as I’d like to see this movie be a success, I have the feeling that it’s going to misfire. Will Prince of Persia and Arabian Nights cause a “Gladiator effect” with studios vying to make their own Arabian tales?
