The Wicker Woman

Given that Neil LaBute's remake of The Wicker Man has already started shooting, it's probably a good thing that they've actually managed to finish casting the thing. Well, we presume they've finished, but we know for sure that Australian actress Kate Beahan has landed the role of Willow, who is to be Nic Cage's love interest. "Eh?" is probably the call spewing out, between chunks of breakfast, at this point. Don't remember a love interest in the 1973 original? Neither do we. But apparently, this one's got one. Yes, they've deviated considerably from the storyline. "The film bears resemblance to the original and explores some of the same themes, but will be executed very differently", said Beahan. Well, quite. Now while we all have the right to be nervous, let's contain the kneejerk reaction of 'outrage', and remember the quality of the folks involved here. Neil LaBute certainly isn't dumb (In The Company Of Men, Your Friends And Neighbours and Nurse Betty, if you needed reminding), Nic Cage is reliable with the right script, and Beahan is no slouch either. The first thing you're going to recognise her from is Chopper - the very same film that slung Eric Bana to the attention of A-list directors. She played Chopper's girlfriend, Tanya, and has subsequently played small roles where she's not really had the opportunity to be as good, in the likes of Lost Souls, The Crocodile Hunter and The Matrix Revolutions. We can only hope that Kate is given a bit more of a chance to flex a bit of acting muscle in this, her first Hollywood lead. In other Wicker Man news, word is that the man at the centre of the first story, Britain's own E-wa Woo-wa (or as he is sometimes known, Edward Woodward), will be making an appearance in the new film. Again, given that Sir Michael Caine appeared in the remake of Get Carter we're not quite certain yet that this is cause for unbridled celebration, but we pray to a variety of deities that it's a good thing, and the reputation of the masterful original will be upheld.