"Mr. Robot's" main actor Rami Malek is eyed to star with Charlie Hunnam in the remake "Papillon."
Should the talks get an official green light, Malek will play the character that critically acclaimed actor Dustin Hoffman once played, Deadline reported. The original film stars Steve McQueen as Henri Charriere in the titular role while Hoffman plays the role of Louise Dega.
"Papillon" will retell the story of the 1973 classic based on the memoirs of convicted felon and fugitive Henri Charriere. The book was a bestseller during the 1970s and by author's account, said adventures in the book were mostly true.
According to Charriere accounts, Dega was his prisoner companion in the French Guiana penitentiary of Devil's Island who was convicted of fraud and counterfeiting. On the other hand, Charrierre was a petty criminal who was unjustly convicted of murder in 1930s France. Both men staged an epic escape from the penal colony. The two became best friends while serving their respective sentences and their exploits were greatly dramatized in the film.
The film will be Malek's first role in the big screen since 2014 after his supporting rule in "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb" and Spike Lee's "Da Sweet Blood of Jesus," Indie Wire reported.
The film will start production in September with director Michael Noer at the helm. The script will be provided by "Prisoners" writer Aaron Guzikowski. Joey McFarland, David Koplan, Ram Bergman, Roger Corbi and Riza Aziz will produce the film with backing from Red Granite.
The picture will be shot in Belgrade, Montenegro and Thailand. The distribution rights for the film have been for sale as early as the Cannes Market back in May.
Malek is fresh from winning a Critic's Choice Award for his performance in the American drama-thriller series "Mr. Robot" where he plays the role of Elliot Anderson. The series itself has been in the receiving end of several nominations and awards including the Golden Globe for Best Television Drama Series and is currently up for six nominations in the 2016 Emmy awards including Outstanding Drama Series.