The criminals of Gotham are probably all breathing a huge sigh of relief now that principle photography has wrapped on The Dark Knight and Batman himself, Christian Bale, has retired the cape and cowl for good.
But what will the talented (and probably sore-throated) actor be taking on next, now the he no longer needs to beat up psychopaths in face paint?
Well, according to this press release from Relativity Media, he will be joining Casey Affleck, Zoe Saldana and Sam Shephard in gritty crime thriller, Out of the Furnace.
Here’s the full press release:
Bale will star as older brother Russell Baze in the film alongside Affleck who will play the role of younger brother Rodney Baze Jr. Saldana has also been cast as Bale’s love interest Lena Warren and Shepard will play Red, Russell and Rodney Baze’s uncle.
Production is set to begin in Braddock, Pennsylvania later this month.
Relativity Media will release the film theatrically in the U.S. Red Granite, the Los Angeles based film production, finance and international sales company has acquired foreign rights outside of the U.S. and will handle international sales. Red Granite International President Danny Dimbort and Co-President Christian Mercuri will begin shopping the film to buyers in Cannes next month.
In making the announcement, Tooley said, “This is a meaty script with characters as strong as they are complex, and we needed powerhouse actors who complement the story. Christian, Casey, Zoe and Sam each approach everything they do with heart and conviction. We can’t wait to see what each of them brings to this film,” says Tooley.
The film is a drama about fate, circumstance, and redemption. Russell and his younger brother live in the economically depressed Rust Belt, and have always dreamed of escaping and finding better lives. But when a cruel twist of fate lands Russell in prison, his brother is lured into one of the most violent and ruthless crime rings in the Northeast – a mistake that will almost cost him everything. Once released, Russell must choose between his own freedom, or risk it all to seek justice for his brother.
Producing are Appian Way’s Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Killoran alongside Scott Free’s Ridley Scott, Tony Scott and Michael Costigan as well as Relativity’s CEO Ryan Kavanaugh.
This film was already on my radar due to all the talent involved but with Bale on board, it’s just got even more exciting. I just hope that the DP on this film knows what he is in for.
Last Updated: April 10, 2012
