The cast of "Cloud Atlas" is shaping up to be as epic as the novel it's based on.
The Wachowskis have attracted A-list stars, great character actors and promising up-and-comers alike for their latest project, as Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving and Ben Whishaw have joined the cast of their adaptation of David Mitchell's mind-bending novel, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Halle Berry had long been rumored to be part of the production since she herself mentioned it late last year, but now the former Bond Girl's involvement is official.
Hugh Weaving is no stranger to the Wachowskis, having delivered an unforgettable performance as the villainous Agent Smith in the "Matrix" trilogy. Weaving was also the man behind the mask in "V For Vendetta," which was adapted and produced by the filmmaking siblings.
Ben Whishaw is also aboard the "Cloud Atlas" train after his recent turn as Ariel in Julie Taymor's take on Shakespeare's "The Tempest." Whishaw was also recently seen in "Bright Star" and as one of the many personas of Bob Dylan in Todd Haynes' "I'm Not There."
Berry, Weaving and Whishaw join Tom Hanks in the project, for which the Wachowskis are sharing writing and directing duties with "Run Lola Run" maestro Tom Tykwer.
David Mitchell's 2004 novel follows six storylines that include a 19th century American notary, a poor British musician in the 1930s, a journalist in 1970s California, a vanity press publisher in the early 21st century, a rebellious clone in the near future and a primitive Hawaiian tribesman surviving after the apocalypse. Each actor in the film will be playing multiple roles.
This sounds like it could be as challenging and exciting as the original "Matrix," and we're due for something so big and bold. Whether it's a soaring success or a crash-and-burn failure, we can't wait to see this thing!
"Cloud Atlas" begins filming this fall.
