According to Deadline, Emmy winners Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, MCU) and Claire Foy (The Crown, First Man) have been tapped to star in director Will Sharpe’s forthcoming biopic drama titled Louis Wain, centering on the life of the titular English artist. This project will mark Cumberbatch and Foy’s second collaboration, who previously worked together on the 2011 drama Wreckers.
“I am thrilled by the prospect of playing the courageous, playful spirit that is Louis Wain and to be producing such a special film.” Cumberbatch said in a statement. “I have admired Will’s work for several years through Flowers and from the moment we first met, knew he was the perfect person to bring Louis’ inspirational and odyssean story to life. Together we plan to bring audiences a sincerely uplifting, playful, thought provoking tale of resilience, creativity and the enduring power of love”
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Louis Wain is co-written by Sharpe and Simon Stephenson. In addition to Foy and Cumberbatch, Andrea Riseborough and Toby Jones have also been cast for the film.
The film will be produced by Guy Heeley, Adam Ackland, Ed Clarke and Leah Clarke. Amazon Studios and StudioCanal are producing the film in partnership with Cumberbatch’s SunnyMarch, Shoebox and Film4. Studiocanal will release the film in their territories UK, France Germany, Australia/NZ and is selling international. While Amazon will be handling the U.S. theatrical distribution.
Production is scheduled to begin on August in London.
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Cumberbatch gained worldwide recognition for his role as Doctor Strange in Marvel Studios’ Marvel Cinematic Universe. He is set to reprise the role in the recently announced sequel Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness which will be directed by Scott Derrickson.
(Photo Credits: Getty Images)
