Swede Alexander Skarsgård first made his talent known on this side of the ocean as Sgt. Brad ‘Iceman’ Colbert in HBO‘s “Generation Kill” but these days he’s better known as the devilishly handsome Eric Northman on “True Blood.” Though he’s yet to make a major presence on the big screen, he’s got a few projects hitting theaters in the next little while that should bring more attention to the actor from those who don’t watch the vampire series. Next month he’ll be one of the main antagonists in the “Straw Dogs” remake and later this fall, he’ll appear opposite Kirsten Dunst in a brief role in Lars Von Trier‘s “Melancholia” while next summer he’ll yell “H5!” (or something) in the bloated blockbuster “Battleship.” And while he’s trying to get the viking pic “The Vanguard” off the ground over at Warner Bros. he’s making a smart play for his next movie role.
Of course, we don’t need to remind you about the kind of year Brit Marling is having. With two Sundance hits in “Another Earth” and “Sound Of My Voice” and with a role in Robert Redford‘s forthcoming “The Company You Keep,” the actress/writer/producer is having the kind of year people dream of. And while she’s had her pick of the projects to take on this fall including Steven Soderbergh‘s “Magic Mike” and the Tom Cruise vehicle “One Shot,” getting the next project she penned with ‘Voice’ co-writer and director Zal Batmanglij moving has been a priority and it looks like it’s now beginning to come together with Skarsgård now boarding the film.
Details on the project are slim, but the story will revolve around a woman who infiltrates an eco-terrorist group called, you guessed it, The East. Skarsgård will play the group’s leader probably with some serious blue/green eye intensity (seriously, just try and look away).
The film will shoot in October and November, with Marling’s new home at Fox Searchlight backing the production as previously announced. As far as casting goes, it’s a solid choice. Skarsgård is a great actor who is certainly destined for bigger and better roles; his talent is far too good to just be contained on “True Blood.” As for Marling and Batmanglij, it seems they are under no pressure to cast up A-list stars in their pic to get it rolling which is encouraging and considering the cult leanings of ‘Voice’ this project appears to be a different approach on a pervasive group mentality. Exciting times ahead for sure. But before it starts, Marling will shoot ‘Company’ and Skarsgård will finish up the indie flick “What Maisie Knew” with Julianne Moore and Steve Coogan that is shooting now. [THR]
Very True!
@ Rebeccah,
Very true! We will find out just how good of an actor she is and just how far those producing or directing skills go. Hope Alex lives up to his acting chops whether movie good or bad.
**@Lena,
What I was getting at minus a few missing words. Sorry just got work LOL. I would rather see an actor/actress be successful by their choice in roles. Not how the media made it out to be. If that was the case lets talk about Mel Gibson or Tom Hanks. These two can\’t direct or produce their way out of a paper bag, but sure can act. Always good role choices, but sometimes the movies just sucked. Especially the self directed and acted pieces.. hinting towards the Brit Marling direction…
Yeah Rebeccah its all about the roles you pick in Hollywood instead of much money your gonna get. A big production with a bad review can hurt you. A smaller picture like Brit Marling\’s, plus she is knew to the scene.. Mistakes can be expected. It won\’t hurt his career that bad if it flops!
Do you think every movie has to a success box office hit? No its about impact and quality within your work not how many teen boppers are coming for True Blood glims of Eric. I will not be surprised that when Mr. Skarsgard can freelance things change. Look at Clooney and ER, has soon as that ink was dry and faded he went off to better, bigger things. So unless he is interested in a TrueLight spin off we will all have wait see where choice takes. Regardless of box office whoa\’s!
Scarsgard is an excellent choice. Page too. Should prove an interesting movie.
I don\’t know if you can call what Another Earth is doing at the BO as \’flopping\’. It\’s not like it was ever going to be a hit – not at the cinema at least.
Searchlight are smart – it\’s about relationships, not one off BO performance.
Brit Marling will fizzle out. Watch.
“Another Earth” is flopping at US box office, so I will be (happily) surprised if Fox Searchlight still want to finance \”The East\”.
This film sounds interesting, both Alexander and Brit are very talented actors and deserve all the success they are having