Quick Read
- Chris Hemsworth has joined the cast of the New York crime film ‘Kockroach’.
- He replaces Channing Tatum, who withdrew due to scheduling conflicts.
- Taron Egerton and Zazie Beetz are also set to star in the movie.
- Filming for ‘Kockroach’ is scheduled to begin in April.
- Matt Ross is directing the adaptation of William Lashner’s novel.
LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Chris Hemsworth, the acclaimed star known for his roles in the ‘Thor’ franchise and ‘Mad Max: Fury Road,’ has officially joined the cast of the upcoming New York crime drama ‘Kockroach.’ The casting news, confirmed by Deadline, sees Hemsworth stepping into a lead role previously held by Channing Tatum, who reportedly withdrew due to scheduling conflicts. The film is described as being in the vein of classic crime epics like ‘Goodfellas’ and ‘Scarface,’ and its production is slated to begin in April.
Hemsworth Takes on New York’s Criminal Underworld in ‘Kockroach’
Hemsworth will star alongside Taron Egerton and Zazie Beetz in ‘Kockroach,’ an adaptation of William Lashner’s novel. The film’s synopsis describes a mysterious stranger who navigates New York’s criminal underworld, ultimately transforming into a powerful crime boss in a city where influence is paramount. This marks a significant role for Hemsworth, who has a diverse slate of projects in various stages of production.
The role has seen previous casting changes, with Egerton stepping in three months prior after Oscar Isaac’s departure, also due to scheduling issues, as reported by The Playlist. The continuous high-profile casting shifts highlight the anticipation surrounding the project, which aims to bring a gritty, expansive narrative to the screen.
Behind the Scenes: The Team Shaping ‘Kockroach’
Matt Ross, known for his work on ‘Captain Fantastic,’ is set to direct ‘Kockroach.’ The screenplay has been adapted by Jonathan Ames, writer of ‘You Were Never Really Here,’ with revisions by Ross himself. The film boasts a strong producing team, with Andrew Lazar, producer of ‘American Sniper,’ and Christina Weiss Lurie, known for ‘Persuasion,’ overseeing the project.
The production also features an impressive lineup of department heads. Colin Gibson, an Oscar-winning production designer for ‘Mad Max: Fury Road,’ is on board to craft the film’s visual world. Emmy-winning cinematographer Adam Arkapaw, whose credits include ‘True Detective’ and ‘Macbeth,’ will handle the film’s visuals. Jonathan Dearing, known for his VFX work on films like ‘M3gan’ and ‘The Invisible Man,’ will supervise visual effects.
Chris Hemsworth’s Busy Slate Beyond ‘Kockroach’
Joining ‘Kockroach’ adds another major project to Chris Hemsworth’s already packed schedule. His upcoming films include Amazon MGM’s crime-thriller ‘Crime 101,’ which is set to hit theaters on February 13. He is also slated to appear in the Russo brothers’ ‘Avengers: Doomsday,’ the Amazon action pic ‘Subversion,’ and ‘Stuntnuts: The Movie.’ These roles underscore Hemsworth’s versatility across different genres, from superhero blockbusters to intense crime dramas.
International distribution rights for ‘Kockroach’ are being handled by Black Bear at the upcoming European Film Market (EFM), while CAA Media Finance and Range Select are co-representing domestic rights, signaling a robust global sales strategy for the anticipated film.
The addition of Chris Hemsworth to ‘Kockroach’ not only injects significant star power into the project but also signals a clear intent to elevate the film’s profile as a major contender in the crime drama genre, given the caliber of talent now attached both in front of and behind the camera.