UPDATE: We reported this way back in May, but apparently Joel Edgerton being cast in Kathryn Bigelow's still-untitled Osama bin Laden pic wasn't as official as everyone thought it was back then. Now, Variety reports that the "Warrior" star has officially officially joined the project.
Edgerton was apparently just the "top choice" for the role last spring. However, by the time Mark Boal's script was completed and casting began in October, it looked like Edgerton wouldn't be able to take the part due to scheduling conflicts, as he'd been considering joining the "300" prequel. He's since passed on that and now all is well.
The Osama bin Laden film will begin production in February with a look toward a Dec. 19, 2012 release date.
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Kathryn Bigelow has found herself a soldier.
Joel Edgerton is officially the first actor to be recruited for the director's untitled film depicting the hunt for Osama bin Laden, according to 24 Frames.
Bigelow is reuniting with her "Hurt Locker" screenwriter, Mark Boal, for a story that gained a surprise ending on Sunday, May 1 when bin Laden was tracked down and killed.
Edgerton will be playing a special operative in the film -- one that we have a feeling plays a key role in the 40-minute firefight that occurred outside a compound in Pakistan this past Sunday.
Edgerton has been rumored for several high-profile projects lately, including "Snow White and the Huntsman," "The Hunger Games" and "The Bourne Legacy." He apparently turned down the opportunity to star opposite Kristen Stewart in "Snow White" so he could be part of Bigelow's film.
Joel Edgerton will next be seen opposite Tom Hardy in "Warrior," opening Sept. 9, and opposite Mary Elizabeth Winstead in "The Thing," opening Oct. 14.
Originally published on Friday, May 6, 2011 at 1:00 a.m. ET.
