Ben Mendelsohn is in talks to play the role of the Sheriff of Nottingham in ‘Robin Hood: Origins’.
The 47-year-old actor is wanted to play the iconic role opposite Taron Egerton in the new movie, which also stars Jamie Foxx, Eve Hewson and Jamie Dornan.
Ben has been cast as Director Orson Krennic in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ and is now being eyed for a part in the Otto Bathurst-directed movie, according to Empire Online.
The central role of Robin is to be played by Taron, who recently promised that the new movie will be "dark and gritty", adding that his incarnation of the heroic outlaw will be markedly different from previous versions.
Taron said: "It’s a real reimagining; it’s not really very recognisable as Robin Hood.
"Robin Hood has a reputation for being quite clean and wholesome, aside from Alan Rickman’s amazing performance in the Kevin Costner version, but it’s tights and thigh-slapping and merry men."
Taron also revealed that his Robin would not be a "classic hero".
He said: "This is really kind of dark and gritty and very funny too, but it’s a real revisionist version of the story. There’s no singing and riding through the glen in this; it’s a real war movie.
"Quite an anti-establishment war movie, I would say… It’s dark. And Robin’s not perfect in it, either, which is what I like about it. He’s not a classic hero, he makes mistakes."
He also teased the casting announcement of the Sheriff of Nottingham, although he did not mention Ben by name.
Taron shared: "We have got the most kick ass Sheriff of Nottingham, I cannot tell you. I don’t think I’m allowed to say yet but I think it’ll probably be announced soon. Oh my God."
Ben Mendelsohn in talks to star in Robin Hood: Origins
