He may not be involved in FX’s planned Sons of Anarchy prequel series – barring a change of heart – or Pacific Rim 2 for that matter, but Charlie Hunnam has still lined up a collection of enticing projects.
Case in point: Papillon, Michael Noer’s full-blown remake of the 1973 prison break movie, where Hunnam will play the part of Henri “Papillon” Charriere. It appears the actor has now found his parter-in-crime, too, with The Hollywood Reporter confirming today that Rami Malek (Mr. Robot) has agreed terms to star opposite Hunnam as Louis Dega.
Forty years ago, those roles were filled by Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman, respectively, who form an unlikely friendship in a French Guiana work camp during the 1930s. Facing a life sentence behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit, it is Henri “Papillon” Charriere (Hunnam) that anchors the story, hatching a plan to escape that involves the crafty Louis Dega (Malek).
Inspired by Henri Charrière’s own acclaimed autobiography, Papillon proved something of a cult hit back in the early ’70s, and at least judging by the star power that Red Granite has attracted thus far, the studio is primed to give the remake a fair crack. Aaron Guzikowski – the scribe that helped craft Prisoners alongside Denis Villeneuve – is attached to adapt this new version, while Danish director Noer is behind the lens.
Papillon is in the works at Red Granite, with plans in place for Michael Noer’s redo to enter production in September.
