Casting News: Keira Knightley to play Effie Gray in Untouched and pursued for a role in Akira

While Keira Knightley is currently filming Anna Karenina with her P&P/Atonement director Joe Wright and P&P co-star Matthew Macfadyen, there are two casting news this week mentioning her name where she's either in talks (to play Effie Gray in Untouched...interestingly, 2 years ago Carey Mulligan was attached to star in Effie, written by Emma Thompson, but is no longer attached as she's left the project and is now too busy with several new film projects she's attached to star these days) or being pursued (in Warner Bros.' Akira along with Gary Oldman and Helena Bonham-Carter in the mix) in two different films.

So far, these are casting rumors (until they are confirmed), we'll find out soon enough if she gets cast in one or both films. For now, check out the following casting news from Collider and The Playlist below...


Keira Knightley in Talks to Star as Effie Gray in UNTOUCHED (via Collider)

Production is currently underway on the long-in-the-works Emma Thompson­-scripted biopic of Effie Gray, Effie, starring Dakota Fanning in the title role. However, it appears that a competing biopic of Gray is now in the works with Keira Knightley poised to star. Gray married art critic John Ruskin in 19th century London, but the latter refused to consummate the marriage, leading a devastated Gray to fall in love with Ruskin’s protégé, painter John Everett Milias.

Thompson on Hollywood reports that Knightley is in talks to star in the drama Untouched. The film also centers on the love triangle between Gray, Ruskin, and Milias, and is set to be directed by House of Sand helmer Andrucha Waddington. The script was written by Aleksandra Crapanzano. The film is currently being shopped around at the American Film Market.

Keira Knightley Being Pursued For ‘Akira’ (via The Playlist)

And while those films get underway, another two potential tentpoles at the studio are casting up: the controversial remake of anime classic “Akira,” and a new take on the Knights of the Round Table, “Arthur & Lancelot,” and both find themselves chasing some big names. The former, which was confirmed to have “Tron: Legacy” star/mannequin Garret Hedlund in talks to play lead Kaneda yesterday, has been pursuing Gary Oldman to play the villainous Colonel, and Helena Bonham-Carter for Lady Miyako, and according to Heat Vision, they’re joined on director Jaume Collet-Serra‘s shopping list by Keira Knightley.

There’s no confirmation of which part it’s for, but unless they’re trying to really annoy the fanboys by casting her as Tetsuo, it seems likely that the star of “Atonement” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” is being sought for an equivalent part to Kei, the young revolutionary who serves as the love interest for Kaneda. Whether Knightley, or indeed Oldman or Bonham-Carter, will do it is pretty up in the air. However, the trade says that the three haven’t yet “engaged” with the studio, and outside of her Disney trilogy, which she signed up for at the age of 17, the young British actress doesn’t really have a tradition of taking paycheck gigs, particularly one that’s likely as thankless as this. Having said that, she’s currently free once she wraps Joe Wright‘s “Anna Karenina,” but considering that “Akira” was scaled back to be made under $100 million, we don’t imagine the wages are going to be massive, so there may be better offers out there.

Speaking of Keira, check out and watch Three New Clips from A DANGEROUS METHOD Starring Michael Fassbender and Viggo Mortensen

Keira Knightley not in 'Cosmopolis' with Robert Pattinson; 'The Children's Hour' News and Review

According to Up and Comers, Keira Knightley will NOT be co-starring with Twilight's Robert Pattinson in his upcoming film, Cosmopolis (as previously rumored and posted here), which will be directed by David Cronenberg who just directed Keira in her upcoming film, A Dangerous Method.

EXCLUSIVE: Keira Knightley will not be in “Cosmopolis” with Robert Pattinson

Keira Knightley will not be appearing in David Cronenberg’s “Cosmopolis”, the actress’s reps confirmed to us today. Knightley was brought into the casting conversation following some eagle-eyed fans seeing her name listed alongside star Robert Pattinson’s on the production company’s website. When the internet exploded with the news, her name was quickly removed and her reps declined to comment on her involvement until today, with a solid “she’s not in it”.  

Knightley is currently on the West End stage in a production of “The Children’s Hour”, in which she plays a 1930s schoolteacher who is accused of having a lesbian love affair with a fellow faculty member. She was last seen in the criminally underrated “Never Let Me Go” with Carey Mulligan and Andrew Garfield and will next be seen on screen in “A Dangerous Method”, another Cronenberg directorial feature.

Speaking of Keira Knightley, here are a few recent KK The Children's Hour Review and related articles...

The Children's Hour - review - (and image from The Guardian)

Keira Knightley has the equally challenging task of making Karen more than the cipher she first appears. But she is excellent in her climactic encounter with her fiance, well played by Tobias Menzies, when her lean, elegant frame suddenly seems rigid with physical anguish. And, when she claims "everything I say to you is made to mean something else", Knightley radiates a lonely despair.

View more stage play photos of KK from The Children's Hour 

 

Stars come out for Knightley play

Hollywood star Danny DeVito, filmmaker Gurinder Chadha and actress Miriam Margolyes were among the crowd who turned out to see Keira Knightley in the opening night of West End play The Children's Hour.

Chadha, who launched Knightley's film career by casting her in comedy Bend It Like Beckham, was one of the many audience members to give the cast a standing ovation.

"I thought it was very powerful, I'm a bit overcome. I'm so proud of Keira," she said after the performance.

Also, check out new photos of Keira Knightley: 'Children's Hour' Press Night with Elisabeth Moss!
    
Tribeca and Miramax Team on Acquiring Last Night, Starring Keira Knightley

Tribeca Film and Miramax Films have made a U.S. distribution deal for relationship drama Last Night (pictured), starring Keira Knightley, Sam Worthington, Eva Mendes and Guillaume Canet. Tribeca Film has acquired theatrical, VOD and select digital rights; a Spring 2011 release is planned. Miramax retains distribution rights for home video, television sales and long-term digital rights.

Casting News: Rosamund Pike in the shortlist for a female lead role in new 'Superman' film

Following the big casting announcement last Sunday of British actor Henry Cavill (The Tudors ... See a screen cap of Henry and P&P's Tamzin Merchant from The Tudor's Season 4) in the role of Clark Kent/Superman in the new Zack Snyder's “Superman” film, rumors quickly turned to who will play Lois Lane? but word just emerges that the search is on for a female lead, a character that is not Lois Lane.

Variety reports that Rosamund Pike, Alice Eve, and Diane Kruger have emerged as a contender for the role that is not yet being disclosed.

With Henry Cavill set as the Man of Steel, Warner Bros. now moves on to its female lead, and a short list of contenders is coming together.

Alice Eve, Diane Kruger and Rosamund Pike have emerged as the three thesps being considered for the character, whose identity hasn't been disclosed -- but it's not Lois Lane.

Early reports had names such as Rachel McAdams and Kristen Stewart as female leads, but sources tell Variety that the studio doesn't want a name that could overshadow its leading man.

Eve has the most modest resume, but has seen her profile grow in the last year after starring in Paramount's "She's Out of My League." Besides "Superman," Eve was also considered one of the front runners for roles in "X-Men: First Class" and "Captain America: The First Avenger."

Pike has been on Hollywood's radar since her turn as a Bond girl in "Die Another Day" and has since had several supporting roles, including "An Education" and "Barney's Version." Read full article here.

Interesting that she was considered for the new Superman film, she was considered or rather rumored to be in the new X-Men: First Class film as well, but that turned out to be just a rumor. This one's probably true and it looks like she didn't get the role if her recent interview about being recently rejected for a role matches the female lead role she is mentioned in the shortlist here.

According to a new UK's The Telegraph article (this was reported days ago):


Rosamund Pike: 'Girly men freeze women out of Hollywood'

Rosamund Pike, the former Bond girl, complains that she was recently turned down for a leading role because she was not flirtatious enough. 

“I auditioned for a job recently, and didn’t get it,” says the actress, speaking at the launch of the Birds Eye View Film Festival. “Word came back that they were looking for 'a flirty piece of ass’.

“Now, I do not want, and have never wanted, to be a flirty piece of ass, but when told I was not one, I found myself quite offended. I was thrust right back on the most primeval battlefield, the loser at the mating game.

“The point that sex appeal is not the level at which I want to compete was lost on me, momentarily.”

Hmm, interesting... makes me wonder if she was talking about the female lead role in the Superman film. We shall see...

Speaking of Rosamund Pike, check out this new interview she did with New Statesman:
The NS Interview: Rosamund Pike, actor

Other recent RP interviews:
Rosamund Pike talks about cars and 'Johnny English Reborn'

Rosamund Pike: I can't resist a spot of skinny dipping
Do you have any favourite swimming spots in Britain?

There are some beautiful places in the Lake District. I’ve been swimming in western Scotland, which was freezing. There was a lake when we were filming Pride & Prejudice. I don’t even know if I was allowed to go in it. I probably wasn’t.

Casting Rumors: Keira Knightley to star in 'Cosmopolis' film with Twilight's Robert Pattinson?

Elizabeth Bennet and Edward Cullen in Cosmopolis?

Keira Knightley is currently in rehearsals and is getting ready for her starring role in this weekend's West End production of Lillian Hellman's The Children's Hour (preview performances starts Jan. 22nd with opening night performances on Feb. 9th through April 30th) with Elizabeth Moss and Ellen Burstyn, but wide spread movie casting rumors about her being cast in a new film currently in development/pre-production (filming in May 2011 in Toronto and New York), Cosmopolis starring Robert Pattinson (Twilight movies) has been the talk all over the web this week with director David Cronenberg directing the film, who recently directed Keira in the upcoming film, A Dangerous Method (see First stills of Keira Knightley in 'A Dangerous Method' film).

This is very interesting because various movie websites were reporting this like it's official news, yet she's not confirmed, but with Cronenberg in the helm, she is likely to be cast in this film (we shall see) and she'll be done with The Children's Hour just before filming begins for this film. A Cosmopolis movie fansite (check it out! It's very informative and has updated news all about the film and they seemed to like KK there) was first to report this and noticed Keira's name added in the producer’s website (earlier in the week) and was the first to report about the casting changes for Cosmopolis film with this article: Out with Marion. In with Keira Knightley?

If you're confused about what I'm talking about here, lol...you can read more about this in the film stage article or here, as both sites explained the Cosmopolis casting confusion.


Anyway, EW.com:

Cotillard isn’t the only actor to have left the project. Colin Farrell was originally attached to play the leading role in the feature, but was replaced by Pattinson when he dropped out. As for Cotillard’s replacement: Internet rumors claim Keira Knightley will fill the Inception actress’ shoes, but Knightley’s rep told EW that nothing could be confirmed at this time. 

Hmm, they're neither confirming or denying it...so it probably means she's in negotiations at the moment. Who knows if she will join the cast or not. Will find out soon enough when more cast are officially announced. Stay tune! I'll keep you all posted. For now, it's still casting rumors...

Though, it's interesting that the imdb page for Cosmopolis just updated and added Keira on the cast list along side Robert Pattinson. That's not to say imdb is often correct with casting info as it can be altered, but it's still an interesting development there nonetheless as they often updated the cast list info. when actors drop from the casting or casting changes has been made. Another interesting thing is that KK (25) and RP (24) are close in age, KK's just a year older than him and their characters' ages are close to their ages as well. 

Here's the synopsis for Cosmopolis (from the producer’s website):

Eric, a 28 year old "golden boy", turned his life into a violent and obsessive microcosm of today’s world, above which a looming shadow leads to the worship of “matter” above all things. A frenetic and visual work in a unity of space and time, 24 hours in New York.

And if Keira is cast in this film, she might play the following role of (Cosmopolis movie fansite)...

Elise Schifrin, Eric’s new wife, yet almost a stranger. She is an heiress and a poet. Chance meetings with Elise punctuate Eric’s strange day.

Speaking of KK and RP...this will be another interesting P&P/Twillight connection.
If Keira ends up joining Robert in this film, she will be the latest addition in the P&P/Twilight connection I mentioned in this blog previously...

Reposting this here...
FYI: Talulah Riley co-starring with Robert Pattinson (pre-Twilight saga films) in this film, The Summer House, her P&P co-star (youngest sister Lydia Bennet) Jena Malone co-starred with Cam Gigandet (who played evil vampire tracker James in Twilight, the first film from the Twilight series) in the upcoming film Five Star Day, while eldest P&P sister/co-star (Jane Bennet) Rosamund Pike and former Twilight and Twilight Saga: New Moon star Rachelle Lefevre (who portrayed baddie vampire Victoria in the first two films of the Twilight saga films) co-starred/appeared together in two films Fugitive Pieces and the upcoming Barney's Version.

Movie News & Rumors: Keira Knightley and Joe Wright to re-team for 'Anna Karenina'?

Keira knightley and Joe Wright

According to The Playlist, Keira Knightley & Joe Wright May Reteam On New Tom Stoppard-Penned Version Of ‘Anna Karenina’

But today brings news that another version is in the work, from a fairly prestigious team. Baz Bamigboye reports that Working Title has been developing a new adaptation, written by the great playwright Sir Tom Stoppard, and that a script’s due before Christmas. The studio’s favorite son, Joe Wright (”Pride & Prejudice,” “Atonement”) is attached to the new version, and in the spring, the director’s likely to make a decision as to whether to direct this, or the dark Abi Morgan-scripted take on “The Little Mermaid” announced earlier in the year.

But according to Working Title head honcho Tim Bevan, this one’s looking like the front-runner, telling Bamigboye that “I’m not saying I’ve made up my mind, but there’s something about Anna Karenina, Tom Stoppard and Joe Wright that sounds right.” Furthermore, and it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to anyone, considering their working history, but it appears that Keira Knightley is ‘top of the list’ to play Anna in Wright’s version.

While she still engenders an enormous amount of hate from some quarters, Knightley’s going from strength-to-strength as an actor, and much of her best work has been done with Wright, particularly in her Oscar-nominated turn in “Pride & Prejudice,” so it’s a natural fit. Unless Knightley signs on to her rumored role in “The Dark Knight Rises,” or Noah Baumbach‘s “The Emperor’s Children” gets moving (and that was meant to shoot this summer so may be dead now), she’s also got a clear slate in 2011, should Wright’s version move forward. Read full article!

Related articles
In Development: Knightley and Wright for Anna Karenina
Keira Knightley in talks for Anna Karenina‎
Keira Knightley tipped for Anna Karenina 
Knightley to play Anna Karenina?
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Also, speaking of Keira Knightley in a lot of casting news rumors lately...the latest one is that Keira along with Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, and Rachel Weisz were (4 of the 6 actresses) all shortlisted to be in the new Batman movie! ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ To Feature Catwoman? Christopher Nolan Seeking Love Interest & Villain, but there's one that's at least confirmed Keira Knightley, Elisabeth Moss to Star in Ian Rickson's Revival of The Children's Hour Starting January 22!