Well, it looks like Alexander Skarsgard, best known as Eric on HBO’s True Blood, is now the frontrunner to jump into the loincloth of Edgar Rice Burrough’s fames vine swinger, TARZAN, aka John Clayton III. Directed by David Yates, who helmed the last four HARRY POTTER films, the production is also seeking Samuel L. Jackson to co-star as George Washington Williams, an ex-mercenary.
Here’s the lowdown from Variety: “…the Swedish thesp would play John Clayton III, known around the world as the famous “ape man” Tarzan. Years after he’s re-assimilated into society, he’s asked by Queen Victoria to investigate the goings-on in the Congo. Tarzan teams with an ex-mercenary named George Washington Williams to save the Congo from a fierce warlord who controls a massive diamond mine.”
Jackson’s role as Williams is described as, “a Civil War veteran eager to redeem himself for his part in the massacre of Native Americans.”
This would be the umpteenth adaptation fo the character, who has roamed the halls of popular culture for decades, from novels, TV, shows, and both live-action and animated films. Burrough’s also created JOHN CARTER, who didn’t fare so well at the box office this year, even if it was a kick as movie. Hopefully Yates, Skarsgard, and Jackson will have better luck.
I have been eagerly awaiting what Yates will do next (coincidentally, I think he would be outstanding for a Star Wars film) and I think this is a solid venture. With his sharp, detailed, and epic-scale style, I think he can bring this to life for the next generation. Production is slated to start next summer. Expect official announcements before the close of the year.
More as this develops.
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