While Christian Bale has long been mentioned as the lead in director Darren Aronofsky’s passion project Noah, it turns out the actor will be unable to star in the biblical epic. Bale has passed on the role due to scheduling issues with the two Terrence Malick pics he’s set to shoot back-to-back next year (yes, that Terrence Malick is making two more movies: Lawless and Knight of Cups). Variety now reports that Aronofsky is keen on casting Michael Fassbender in Bale’s wake. It’s an inspired choice, as Fassbender is a terrific actor who’s currently fielding a number of high-profile offers following a stellar year turning heads in X-Men: First Class and the drama Shame (for which he’s getting some much-deserved Oscar attention).
The Black Swan director has previously described Noah as his “big event film” and sees it more as a great fable than a religious story. I was already interested in the project given Aronofsky’s vision and Bale’s involvement, but the prospect of Fassbender taking over is almost more intriguing. Production is set to get underway next spring, and with Fassbender’s Londongrad put on hold until director Rupert Wyatt finishes a Rise of the Planet of the Apes sequel, the actor has some newfound availability. Here’s hoping he signs on.
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This makes me happy. I’d much rather see Fassbender than Bale in this movie.
i was really looking forward to seeing bale in the this. but fassbender’s really talented too so you really can’t even call it a downgrade
i was hoping this would happen, but since Bale wants to work again with Malick(and this time twice) after their work on NEW WORLD, their isn’t time to squeeze in NOAH.
i knew an Aronofsky/Fassbender team up would happen someday. especially after Aronofsky picked him as Best Actor in Venice. Darren has always been quietly looking roles for actors. Have you seen how he looked at Jennifer Lawrence at last year’s oscars. you can read it in his face, “On what role would Jennifer fit in my future films”
it seems that 2011 is Fassbender’s year.
holy shite is it just me or does Fassbender not seem like the perfect fit for a role like this? now that i know he’s beeing eyed for the role I really won’t settle with anyone else but him.
Bummed that Bale’s not doing this. But the payback is 2 Malick films so I can’t really complain.
Hmmnnnn, was kinda hoping Fassbender would sign up for Robocop although maybe that role should go to a lesser known actor? Still, i’m glad Aronofsky’s bagged a real bankable lead for this.