The world can never have too muchIan McKellen. So, his fans should be delighted to hear that the two-time Academy Award-nominated actor has been cast to lead the thrillerThe CriticalongsideGemma ArtertonandMark Strong.Deadlineis reporting the trio’s casting in the film and the casting of a supporting cast that includesLesley Manville,Romola Garai,Ben Barnes, andAlfred Enoch.
The Criticis based on the 2015Anthony Quinnthriller novelCurtain Call. The story is set in the theater world of 1934 London. McKellen will be playing Jimmy Erskine, one of the most respected and feared critics in town. Arterton will be playing an actress, Nina Land, who, in an attempt to win the critic’s favor, gets wrapped up in a mystery that involved murder, blackmail, and so much more. Strong will be playing the new owner of Jimmy’s newspaper who is at odds with the critic.
McKellen is a Tony and Laurence Olivier award-winning actor who is likely best known for his iconic role as Gandalf in theLord of the Ringstrilogy. He is also known for his work in such films as theX-Menseries and several Shakespeare adaptations likeRichard III. Arterton is a two-time Laurence Olivier Award-nominated actress who is known for films likeSummerland,Quantum of Solace, andThe King’s Man. Strong is another Laurence Olivier Award-winning actor who is known to film audiences for his work in films like1917andZero Dark Thirty.
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The film will also feature a supporting cast of Manville, Garai, Barnes, and Enoch. Manville is best known for her roles inPhantom ThreadandAnother Year. Garai is known for her performances inAtonementandSuffragette. Barnes is a fan-favorite actor known for his roles in the hit HBO seriesWestworldand the hit Netflix seriesShadow and Bone. Enoch is known for his role as Dean Thomas in theHarry Potterfranchise as well as series likeHow to Get Away With MurderandFoundation.
The Criticis set to be directed byAnand Tuckerin his first feature film since the 2010 Rom-ComLeap Year. His other directorial works include the period dramaHilary and Jackieand the dramaWhen Did You Last See Your Father?The novel has been adapted for the screen by Academy Award-nominated writerPatrick Marber, who has previously writtenNotes on a ScandalandCloser.
The Criticis being produced byBill KenwrightandJolyon Symonds. Executive producers on the project includeDavid Gilbery, Tucker, Marber,Mark Gordon,Tom Butterfield, andHarry White.
Production onThe Criticis reported to be currently underway in London. Stay tuned to Collider for any future updates on this project.
