The chapter of The Book Of Eli entitled 'Casting' is speeding towards completion, with the ever-fabulous Michael Gambon joining an increasingly interesting line-up for Warner Bros.' sci-fi actioner. Gambon is the third Brit on board, joining Gary Oldman and Ray Stevenson, and will play one half of an eccentric couple battling to preserve old traditions in a new-future, dystopian America.
If it sounds a little Dumbledore-meets-Mad Max, that may not be too far off-beam. Gambon's character is likely to need all his wizardy wiles to survive in Eli's post-apocalyptic wasteland, especially with lawless types Gary Oldman and The Punisher himself, Ray Stevenson, at large.
Directed by the Hughes Brothers (From Hell), The Book Of Eli sees Washington's heroic nomad charged with protecting a tome so powerful that it represents the salvation for all of humanity.
Filming kicks off this month in Albuquerque, New Mexico - something of a go-to post-apocalyptic destination for Hollywood at the moment, with Terminator Sa!v#ti@n recently wrapping there. The Book Of Eli's US release is scheduled for 15 January 2010.