Benedict Cumberbatch had to bow out of The Lost City of Z (his schedule’s too full to tackle the project) and Sons of Anarchy‘s Charlie Hunnam has been signed up to take over the role Cumberbatch vacated. The action-adventure film is based on David Grann’s book and was adapted for the screen by James Gray. Gray is also on board to direct.
Hunnam joins a cast that includes Robert Pattinson and Sienna Miller (currently earning rave reviews in American Sniper). Filming is expected to begin this summer.
The Lost City of Z is set up with Sierra Pictures, Plan B, and MICA Entertainment, with Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Dale Johnson, and Anthony Katagas attached as producers. Marc Butan, Julie B. May, and Glenn Murray are executive producing.
The Plot: In 1925, Percy Fawcett ventured into the Amazon in search of an ancient civilization, hoping to make one of history’s most important discoveries. For centuries Europeans believed the world’s largest jungle concealed the glittering kingdom of El Dorado, leading thousands of explorers to die looking for it. Captivating the imagination of millions round the globe, Fawcett embarked with his son, to prove that this ancient civilization existed. Then his expedition vanished.
Hunnam is currently working on Knights of the Round Table: King Arthur with director Guy Ritchie. He’s also got a starring role in Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak, which is coming out in theaters this October and co-stars Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain.
