Djimon Hounsou in talks for “Merlin-esque” role in Guy Ritchie’s King Arthur

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Variety has learned GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY's Djimon Hounsou may join Guy Ritchie's KNIGHTS OF THE ROUNDTABLE: KING ARTHUR, and he's in talks for the same role Idris Elba was up for as a "Merlin-esque figure who trains and mentors Arthur."

The site also says Jude Law hasn't officially signed on yet, but is still in negotiations to play the film's villain. Charlie Hunnam is set to star as King Arthur, and Astrid Berges-Frisbey will play Guinevere in the upcoming film. Warner Bros. is hoping KNIGHTS OF THE ROUNDTABLE: KING ARTHUR will kick-start a new franchise for the studio, and are planning on doing six King Arthur movies. Ritchie will direct the film from a script by AWAKE director and screenwriter Joby Harold. Although plot details are being kept underwraps, it was previously reported the film will have fantasy elements.

It's too bad Idris Elba won't be mentoring Charlie Hunnam's King Arthur, however I'm certainly not going to complain if Djimon Hounsou does end up joining Guy Ritchie's new movie.

Djimon Hounsou can be seen next in Jeff Bridges' SEVENTH SON on February 6, 2015, and KNIGHTS OF THE ROUNDTABLE: KING ARTHUR is set to open on July 22, 2016.