Anthony Hopkins Joins Arabian Nights Remake

Posted by michaeljoejackson On May - 10 - 2010

In November we got word that the Hollywood remake machine was pumping out a new remake of the 1942 classic Arabian Nights courtesy of director Chuck Russell (The Scorpion King). The story follows a young commander (played by Liam Hemsworth, brother of Thor’s Chris Hemsworth) who, after his king is killed in a coup, joins forces with Sinbad, Ali Baba and the Genie from the magic lamp to rescue the queen.

Though Russell’s involvement left something to be desired, Hemsworth makes things a little bit more interesting as does news from Heat Vision today that Anthony Hopkins is in negotiations to play the villain in the film.

Hopkins will play Pharotu, an evil sorcerer who killed Sinbad’s love, a mermaid, and is now amassing more magic for himself. First it was liver, fava beans and a nice chianti and now it’s just magic. Is there anything Hopkins doesn’t want (besides his involvement in The Wolfman)? Russell co-wrote the script with Barry P. Ambrose, and production is slated to begin sometimes towards the end of summer. It’s trivially interesting to note that Hopkins also stars in Thor with Liam’s brother Chris Hemsworth, and if that first image from Marvel’s comic book film is any indication, Liam is going to have to kick some serious ass in Arabian Nights to keep up with his brother.

Source: FirstShowing.