The idea that Hollywood would cast a real sword-fighting, horse-riding, introspective Persian Prince in the starring role of the Prince of Persia movie? Simply too good to be true. Instead, they’re throwing us Donnie Darko and the new Bond girl. Though we’re frantically fact-checking in the hopes that they’re wrong, Hollywood Reporter has today revealed that Jake Gyllenhaal is the new Prince of Persia, and Gemma Arterton his “feisty and exotic” princess.
Judging by the Reporter’s synopsis, the basic premise sounds much the same, although names have been changed to protect the innocent:
In the fantasy adventure, Gyllenhaal will play Dastan, a young prince in sixth century Persia who must join forces with Tamina (Arterton), a feisty and exotic princess, to prevent a villainous nobleman from possessing the Sands of Time, a gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world.
The Reporter confirms that Mike Newell is directing; Jerry Bruckheimer producing; and that series creator Jordan Mechner has a hand in the script, along with Doug Miro, Carlo Bernard and Boaz Yakin. If there are any film buffs in the audience who can vouch for the writers, please raise your hand…
But as far as casting goes:I have no doubt that Gyllenhaal and Arterton are capable actors, but you’ve just got to wonder why anyone would pick white actors to star in a story that derives so much from the rich, cultural and mythical background of Persia, especially when you have an incredibly talented Persian at hand who has already been validated by a worldwide survey. Would you cast an Persian James Bond? Of course not.
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