No Mention Of Joel Edgerton Starring In The Film
Since late last year, director Kathryn Bigelow and writer Mark Boal have been hard at work on black ops thriller, the details of which, at the time, were being kept under wraps but was rumored to be about the hunt for Osama Bin Laden. Those rumors turned out be true but when the Al Qaeda leader was suddenly killed a few weeks ago, it was reported that Boal a former investigative reporter, shifted his research and resources and was already rewriting with a section covering the 40 minute firefight that resulted in Bin Laden’s death. Even more, Aussie actor Joel Edgerton was said to be a frontrunner for the untitled film — also referred to as “Kill Bin Laden” — but once, again word quieted. But not for long.
THR reports that the project now has a home at Columbia Pictures who have picked up the U.S. rights for the film. Moreover, the planned summer shoot is still very much on target but as for casting, there is no word on anyone just yet. Edgerton’s name has quietly dropped off though it’s likely to due to the fact he was recently cast in Baz Luhrmann‘s “The Great Gatsby” which will also be lensing this summer. Regardless, Bigelow will likely have her choice of actors for the follow up to “The Hurt Locker.”
So, is this Oscar bait? You better believe it. The film is being planned for a “fourth quarter” 2012 release which essentially guarantees this will be an awards season film through and through. But you already knew that. Undoubtedly more to come as the film gears to start shooting very soon.