We’ve got a trio of casting tidbits to attend to this afternoon. First up, Matthew McConaughey’s post-Oscar, post-True Detective run remains strong as it looks like Gold is firming up to shoot this summer. Deadline reports that Zero Dark Thirty and Carlos actor Edgar Ramirez is signing on to co-star in the upcoming mining drama, which will mark Syriana director Stephen Gaghan’s first film in a decade. McConaughey is onboard to play a prospector, while Ramirez will take on the role of geologist Michael Acosta.
The film is based on a true story regarding the 1993 Bre-X Mineral Corporation scandal, and will revolve around the duo traveling to the Indonesian jungle in search of—what else—gold! Michael Mann initially eyed this as a directing vehicle but he subsequently fell off, while Paul Haggis remains in an executive producer role and McConaughey is set to produce. Filming will begin this June in New York, New Mexico, and Thailand after McConaughey wraps Gary Ross’ Civil War drama Free State of Jones. Ramirez is currently filming David O. Russell’s new movie Joy and will be seen later this year in the Point Break remake.
Additionally, Roland Emmerich has added an unlikely actress to his Independence Day 2 ensemble. THR reports that Nymphomaniac star Charlotte Gainsbourg is in talks to join the cast of Emmerich’s sci-fi sequel, which currently includes Jeff Goldblum, Liam Hemsworth, and Jessie Usher. The picture won’t hit theaters until June 24, 2016, but filming is set to get underway this summer after years of development. Details regarding Gainsbourg’s role are unknown, but this is a depature for the actress who’s best known for her work in more challenging material like Melancholia and I’m Not There. Though there’s nothing wrong with having a bit of fun with alien invasions every once in a while.
Finally, Empire reports that Dane DeHaan and Orphan Black star Tatiana Maslany are poised to pair up for the indie romance Two Lovers and a Bear. The film takes place in the Canadian Arctic and finds the duo weathering a bad storm while they come to terms with their own emotional tumult and sense of isolation. Kim Nguyen (War Witch) will helm the performance-centric drama, which will be looking for buyers at Cannes in May.
