"Ralph Fiennes in talks for 'Titans' "...and other projects for 2009

[Liza]

trugannini asked me to post this. And we all thought Ralph was going to have a quiet year! : )

Ralph Fiennes in talks for 'Titans'
Actor may play Hades in Louis Leterrier film
By ALI JAAFAR

LONDON -- Ralph Fiennes is in advanced negotiations to star as Hades, the lord of the underworld, in helmer Louis Leterrier's "Clash of the Titans" for Warner Bros.

Liam Neeson is set to co-star as Zeus in the reimagining of the Greek myth of Perseus.

Fiennes would join a cast that already includes, in addition to Neeson, Gemma Arterton, Mads Mikkelsen, Alexa Davalos and Sam Worthington in the reimagining of the Greek myth of Perseus.

"Clash" marks the first new project for Neeson since the death of his wife, actress Natasha Richardson, last month.

Fiennes is also in talks to star in 1970s-set coming-of-age laffer "The Men at the Pru," which Ricky Gervais is co-writing and directing with Stephen Merchant.

That project is set at Sony, where it will be the studio's second U.K. production greenlit by international motion picture division prexy Deb Schindler.

Thesp will also take on an uncredited cameo in Working Title's sequel to 2005 hit "Nanny McPhee," in which Emma Thompson will reprise her role as a magical governess. Brit helmer Susanna White will direct.

The main concern for Fiennes now is scheduling. The thesp wants to squeeze in all these commitments before returning to his role as uber-villain Voldemort in the final Harry Potter installment, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II," which begins production in the fall.

Fiennes' first post-"Potter" commitment will be his directorial debut on a feature adaptation of William Shakespeare's Roman tragedy "Coriolanus."

Fiennes has already scouted for locations in Eastern Europe and is in negotiations with financiers.

[Alice]

I can't honestly work up much enthusiam for "Clash of the Titans" unless it's MUCH better than the earlier version, but anything scripted by Ricky Gervais should be good!

[myself]

thank Liza! With todays technology, I'm sure it will be 100% improvement on the original. Even the original was good for its time but let's just hope the director doesn't want it all "retro" (meaning - bad acting).

[Julia Patricia]

Thank Liza for this news, is great he have work.

[Dana]

Thank you, Liza and Trugi, for this posting!
I'm really intrigued re Clash of the Titans as far as how will he look, his demeanor (I guess I should do some research on Greek mythology), etc.
Alice, I agree with you about the script Ricky Gervais is co-creating.
I'm excited about these "developments." He really seems to be more happy when he's working and being creative. I've been thinking how much of a crime it is that people aren't THROWING good scripts at him. I'm sure at this point in his career and life, he knows when to take it easy if he feels the need to do so -- and maybe he's had enough of a rest to re-energize him.
Thanks again, you two!

[Liza]

Dana, I agree. I think Ralph really enjoys his work. This is his life, being creatively involved like this. Sure, it is hard work, but when you're energies are creatively engaged in what you love, that's where you want to be. : )

I love that he's doing all these different kinds of projects! I remember Clash of Titans from the 70's. It was your typical 70's film. I'm certain that neither Ralph or Liam Neeson are going to commit to something cheap or cheesy. I'm sure it will be done well. : )

I'm looking forward to the Ricky Gervais film. He's very funny! : )

[Alice]

I'm already fantasizing about Ralph's costume for Hades. Let's hope that it will be black, revealing or black AND revealing.

*drools*

[trugannini]

B r e a t h e Alice.... Do you mean what you are suggesting is possible!!! wipes brow ....

[Yellowdog]

$$$$$$$$$$all the way to the bank...no matter howcreative it is this should draw a wide auydiencew if for no other reasosn than curiosity.... the .achilles thing with orlando and brad was prety good...this could be too...i enjoy liam neeson i would go to see him play zeus..........$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ its a good thing. sounds like a great popcorn and butter movie to me!.............I think he is enjoying dong these epitome of evil roles even in fun or fantasy...............

[Julia Patricia]

I see the first version with Laurence Olivier as Zeus and I like some much because for me was a good movie for the especial effects I wait this movie with Liam and Ralph exceed the first, Although Ralph again be villanous (I don't like that but he is wonderful as bad)

[fiennesite]

I agree that the original Clash of the Titans was great and it's one of my favorite cult classic movies. I am a little upset they are remaking everything these days. Can't anyone have some original ideas? I guess Ralph would make a good Hades...he does love the dark parts ;-)

Thanks for the news!
Mary

[sweetralph]

I read on imdb that Danny Houston (he played Sandy in TCG) joined the cast, too. I will be playing Poseidon.