Even during production the cast of Cloud Atlas just keeps getting bigger. Variety has learned that James D'Arcy, best known for his role in Peter Weir's Master and Commander: On The Far Side of the World, has signed on to play a part in the David Mitchell adaptation.
D'Arcy joins a cast that is already brimming with talent. Signed on for starring roles are Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Sturgess, Susan Sarandon, Hugo Weaving, Ben Whishaw and Hugh Grant. The project is being co-written and co-directed by Tom Tykwer and Andy and Lana Wachowski. The film is split into six different storylines, with six different characters living in six different times and six different locations. These stories are all connected by by cause and effect. Whishaw recently told reporters that all of the actors on the movie play at least three different parts (Weaving has said that he will be playing six).
The actor has kept busy of late, his newest film, Madonna's W.E. (which was panned at both the Toronto and Venice International Film Festivals) due out in early December. He's also completed work on Jeremy Power Regimbal's thriller Replicas and has wrapped production on John Huddles' drama The Philosophers.
Considering the fact that Cloud Atlas was struggling with budget issues prior to staring production in August, the cast that the Wachowkskis and Tykwer have assembled is nothing short of extraordinary. If the film proves to be even half as good as its talent would suggest, it could be brilliant.
