A couple more actors have joined the ranks of director Ron Howard’s upcoming ocean-set drama In the Heart of the Sea.  The film tells the story of the real life sea disaster of the whaleship Essex, a harrowing ordeal that inspired Herman Melvile’s Moby Dick.  In 1819, the ship was rammed by an angry sperm whale in the South Pacific.  The surviving crew drifted for 90 days in three tiny whaleboats and encountered disease, hunger, and eventually cannibalism.  Variety reports that Brendan Gleeson has joined the cast and is set to play an older version of one of the surviving crewmembers who is interviewed years later by Melville.  Additionally, Sam Keeley (Godzilla) is set to play one of the crew members aboard the ship.

Gleeson and Keeley join an impressive ensemble that includes Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy, and Tom Holland.  Production begins this September.  Hit the jump for casting news concerning the indie Walter.

Additionally, Deadline reports that William H. Macy, Virginia Madsen, Peter Facinelli, and Andrew J. West have joined the cast of director Anna Mastro’s dramedy Walter.  The film centers on a young man who believes he is the son of God, which subsequently forces him to feel that the destiny of everyone he encounters is his responsibility.  The pic is based on a short story by Paul Schoulberg, who also wrote the screenplay, and filming is already underway in Indiana and LA.  Neve Campbell, Milo Ventimiglia, and Leven Rambin also star.