We're not sure if this latest role will allow Sam Rockwell to show off his legendary dancing skills, as the inspiration for the part never seemed to like it. But he's still agreed to play George W. Bush for Adam McKay's new film about Dick Cheney, which appears to have settled on the simple title Cheney.
McKay is following up The Big Short with a look at the life of one of the most controversial figures in modern US politics. From his earlier days working on President Gerald Ford's staff to his time spent as George W. Bush's Vice President, Cheney has long been considered one of the most powerful figures in recent years, seen by many as puppeteering the Bush presidency. He expanded the powers of the presidency and helped set up programmes that remain with us today, particularly intelligence gathering and in foreign policy. And there was the small matter of accidentally shooting a hunting partner in the face.
So now Rockwell will be Bush, the face of the administration but rarely the power. He joins a cast that already features Christian Bale's Cheney, Amy Adams' Lynne Cheney, Steve Carell's Donald Rumsfeld and Bill Pullman's Nelson Rockefeller.
McKay should kick off filming near the end of September. As for Rockwell, he has Martin McDonagh's Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri screening at the BFI London Film Festival (the film is due for general UK release on 12 January), and will also be seen in Duncan Jones' Mute.
Christian Bale, Steve Carell And Amy Adams Up For Adam McKay's New Film