“Slumdog Millionaire” actress Freida Pinto has joined the cast of Tarsem’s Greek mythology tale “Dawn Of War,” previously described as “Caravaggio meets ‘Fight Club'” with a bit of Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet.”
The film will star Henry Cavill as Theseus, a young warrior who leads men and immortal gods in a battle against evil and the powerful elder gods of the Titans in order to save mankind. Pinto will play Phaedra, an oracle priestess who joins Theseus on his journey.
According to Greek legend, Phaedra becomes the wife of Theseus, but it’s not yet known if the film will stay true to the mythology of the warrior. Early reports pegged the Oracle of Delphi as Theseus’ love interest, although Charley and Vlas Parlapanides’ script has since be touched up Jason Keller, so that could very well have been altered.
The report also refers to the project by its original name, “War Of The Gods.” We’re inclined to believe it’s just misinformation on their behalf, as they also fail to mention the film’s recent delay to contemplate filming in 3D. A decision seems to have been made either way with everything set to go in front of cameras this April. Tarsem’s ravishing visuals could actually benefit from the 3D treatment but the traditionalist in us prefers otherwise.
“Dawn Of War” is a co-production of Relativity and Hollywood Gang, the team behind “300,” with Universal set to handle the film’s release.
Updated: Deadline is reporting that Mickey Rourke is negotiating with Relativity and Singh for the part of King Hyperion, the ruler of Ancient Greece who does battle with the divines. However, Rourke was just recently confirmed to play the father in “Conan” (guess the rumors turned out to be true). The problem is the “Conan” reboot (as in “Conan The Barbarian” with Ahnold) begins production in Bulgaria in late March and “Dawn Of War” is supposed to begin shooting in Montreal on April 7th. It’s possible he may have to bow out of Singh’s film or choose between the two.
