Ironclad Tagged Articles at Cinematical

Probably the last thing that most people think about when they look at Megan Fox is religion or pure or holy (except when saying, "Holy sh*t is she hot!"). But, over at the Hollywood Reporter's Risky Business Blog, they report that Fox is now attached to star as an 'Angel' alongside Mickey Rourke in the indie crime story, Passion Plays. Mitch Glazer wrote and will also direct the story of a down-on-his-luck trumpet player who saves an 'Angel' who is under the thumb of a ruthless gangster. Rourke would be playing the trumpet dude (well, it was either that or the gangster) and Fox will play the 'Angel' who is described in the script as "a slender beauty with wings who is part of a carnival."

Most of us are used to the idea of Rourke in these kinds of 'gritty' films, but Fox on the other hand could probably use the chance to expand her resume beyond being the girl who made her name by leaning over a car. Granted, her first chance to be more than Michael Bay's window dressing came with her starring role in Diablo Cody's horror Jennifer's Body, but she hasn't strayed far from her roots and will be back working on the comic book flick Jonah Hex and the period action flick Ironclad (although her role in that particular film hasn't been confirmed) in the coming months.

Regardless of what I think of Fox's abilities, it might be nice to see her do some actual acting for a change. Because let's be honest with ourselves, standing around looking hot isn't exactly 'acting' for this chick. But I do applaud her for taking a page from the Nicolas Cage playbook, and beefing up her resume with a healthy mix of indie credibility and Hollywood blockbusters.

Passion Plays is expected to arrive in theaters later this year.

I am, by no means, a big fan of medieval themes, although a movie here and there, or an occasional trip to a Renaissance Faire is fun. But man, Ironclad is sounding awesome. Variety reports that the film is the first project for the newly formed Mythic International Entertainment, and will be directed by Jonathan English.

Why is this sounding so awesome? The cast. Already signed to the $30 million feature is Richard Attenborough, Pete Postlethwaite, Angus Macfayden, and Colm Meaney. Meanwhile, James Purefoy and Paul Giamatti are in talks to join the production as well. It's a historical feature full of talented testosterone!

Set in 13th century England, the film will focus on "a small band of knights who defended Rochester Castle against the tyrant King John." There's no mention of who the signed leads are playing (presumably knights), but if James and Paul sign on, Purefoy will play the lead night, and Giamatti will be King John.

It sounds great to me! After John Adams, I've been on a total Giamatti kick, and along with actors like Attenborough and Postlethwaite, this could be one hell of a great action film.

What do you think?

Here are some Variety casting bites for the next wave of actors and actresses:

• Picking up a role in Lindsay Lohan's I Know Who Killed Me probably wasn't the best move, but Marc Senter is following it up with a number of alternatives. He's got two horror flicks on the way, Wicked Lake and Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever, plus two new films -- Hippy and Ironclad. However, maybe he didn't learn his lesson because it seems that Hippy is a flick starring Lohan. If at first you don't succeed, try and try again!
  
• Next up is 30 Rock's towheaded Cerie, Katrina Bowden. It seems that she's just finished filming Sex Drive with James Marsden. This is that weird teen sex comedy that Jessica blogged about the other day. Unfortunately, there's no word on who she plays -- an object of teen affection, I would assume. Whatever the case, her career is definitely moving forward from her first gig as an actress in a Fall Out Boy music video.
• And last, but not least, we have Johnny Simmons, who is going to get a hand on Jennifer's Body. Yes, he's nabbed himself a lead role in Diablo Cody's pic, although exactly who he is playing remains to be seen. This should be a good balance between all the roles that the new actor has on his plate -- heroes, family flicks, and horror... After his stint as the kid in Evan Almighty, he's filmed The Spirit, and is currently dealing with that Hotel for Dogs.