It looks like Aussie actor Ben Mendelsohn is finally getting his chance in the spotlight. After years and years of putting in excellent work throughout films like Animal Kingdom, Starred Up, Killing Them Softly and more, he’s well on his way to the big leagues. That’s in large part due to his involvement in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which opens this Friday and is already receiving strong reviews.
Now, Variety has revealed that the actor is hoping to keep the momentum going as he’s just signed on for another villainous role. This time, it’s for Lionsgate’s gritty reboot Robin Hood: Origins, which is being described as a”real revisionist version of the classic tale” and already stars Taron Egerton in the lead, Jamie Foxx as Little John, Jamie Dornan as Will Scarlett and Eve Hewson as Maid Marian.
As for Mendelsohn, he’ll portray the Sheriff of Nottingham in the Otto Bathurst-directed flick, which centres on Robin Hood, “a war-hardened crusader who joins a Moorish commander in an audacious revolt against the corrupt English monarchy.”
It’s one of several projects in development about the titular hero and so far, it’s shaping up to be quite promising. The addition of Mendelsohn is an exciting one for sure, as the actor excels in villainous roles and seems perfectly suited for a gritty reboot like this. He’ll no doubt make for a formidable opponent for Egerton’s hero to go up against and we’re excited to see him land another high profile part.
Robin Hood: Origins is being prepped to enter production in January, when the reboot will lens for four-and-a-half months in Hungary before opening in regular theatres and IMAX on March 23, 2018.
