According to Variety Robert Redford has landed some co-conspirators in James McAvoy and Robin Wright Penn. The former has been rumored for awhile and crushes the hopes of citizens of Hobbiton as he seemed to be a fan favorite for the starring role in the Del Toro/Jackson Hobbit movie. That said, one can’t really blame a guy for doing a Redford film.
Anybody have mothers who will watch anything Redford related? Join the club.
The Conspirator is a period piece- directed by Redford – about the Lincoln assassination and the role of Mary Surrat in those events. Robin Wright Penn will play that role of the female conspirator, while McAvoy will play Frederick Aiken, a role described by THR as an idealistic young war hero who reluctantly defends Surratt and in the process comes to believe she is innocent. A quick scan at Amazon reveals that there are some books regarding this specific subject, but the film doesn’t seem to be (or at least it has not been announced–if someone knows otherwise, let us know!) based on any of them.
McAvoy has been amazing in roles in films like The Last King of Scotland and Atonement, not to mention flexes a mean faun portrayal in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Robin Wright Penn could have done nothing after The Princess Bride and been in the Tomio-Hall of Fame regardless, but has gone on to be amazing in films like Forrest Gump, Moll Flanders, Unbreakable, and Nine Lives.
Perhaps worth to mention that Robin played a quick 5min. scene as Redford’s daughter in The Last Castle. She is really good.
Another good film!