Following The Wolfman and Thor, it seems Anthony Hopkins is keen to sign up for another big, special effects film, this time Chuck Russell's fantasy epic Arabian Nights. You can certainly understand why Hopkins would be keen, as these movies probably pay pretty well and don't demand too much acting effort on his part.
In Arabian Nights, Liam Hemsworth will take the lead role as a young commander who, after his king is murdered in a coup, joins forces with Sinbad, Ali Baba and the Genie from the magic lamp to rescue the queen, Scheherazade. According to THR, Hopkins will play Pharotu, an evil sorcerer who killed Sinbad’s love, a mermaid, and is looking to amass more magic for himself.
Is it just me, or does this film already sound incredibly cheesy? However With movies like Prince Of Persia and Clash of The Titans out this year, many in Hollywood are betting that period fantasy is set for a comeback, and Arabian Nights is just one of many live-action/CG spectacles hoping to cash in on that.
Shooting is expected to start at the end of the summer, for a 2011 release.