Willem Dafoe is set to join director Zhang Yimou’s epic THE GREAT WALL and star opposite Matt Damon and Pedro Pascal.
The film has gone through several changes over the years and it seemed as though at one point it may never happen. Originally, THE GREAT WALL was to be directed by Edward Zwick (THE LAST SAMURAI) and everyone’s favourite superhero, Henry Cavill was set to star in the movie. However, it was not to be, as Zwick was no longer to be on the director’s chair, with Zhang Yimou (HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS) on board.
However, things are once again on the up for the production of the film and the casting is once more falling into place – Matt Damon is in final negotiations to star in the film and now it is reported that Willem Dafoe has signed on to feature alongside him.
THE GREAT WALL centres on a British soldier (Damon) who comes to 15th century China with a group of mercenaries in order to bring back gunpowder to Europe. There they happen upon the hurried construction of the massive wall, which isn’t just to keep out the Mongols — there is something inhuman and more dangerous.
With production set to begin in spring 2015, with Universal Pictures and Legendary releasing THE GREAT WALL, the film is expected to arrive in cinemas on November 23rd, 2016.
