Daijiworld Media Network - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, Sep 11: Acting legend Sir Anthony Hopkins is set to reunite with director Timothy Woodward Jr. for the upcoming dystopian sci-fi film ‘2048’.
The 88-year-old actor previously collaborated with Woodward on the sci-fi horror film ‘Eyes In The Trees’, which is currently in post-production. The duo will now work together again on the post-apocalyptic story, with further casting underway ahead of filming in Los Angeles, reports ‘Female First UK’.
Set on a dying Earth, ‘2048’ follows the last remnants of humanity living underground in a vast subterranean society controlled by the Collective, an authoritarian regime that governs almost every aspect of life and has erased memories of the world above.
The story centres on Wesley, an ordinary worker whose life changes after he becomes involved with a secret resistance movement questioning everything the Collective has taught its citizens.
His search for the truth attracts the attention of Bryant, played by Hopkins, the brilliant and ruthless architect of the Collective. Bryant maintains his control over society through surveillance, manipulation and psychological terror.
The screenplay has been written by Sean Ryan.
Hopkins said he and Woodward had discussed finding another project to work on together and that he was fascinated by the story of ‘2048’.
“Having recently been directed by Tim Woodward Jr., I thought it would be interesting to find another script to film. There were a number of suggestions and ideas briefly talked about, and then, suddenly, the screenplay 2048 emerged from those conversations,” Hopkins said.
Describing the story as complex and fascinating, the Oscar-winning actor said it explores contradictions within human nature, including humanity's capacity for extraordinary creativity and compassion as well as cruelty.
He described Bryant as an equally complex character who is “intelligent, restrained and frightening” in his absolute conviction about the world.
“I am so looking forward to working with Timothy again and to bring this story to life,” Hopkins added.
Woodward, 42, described reuniting with Hopkins as a “dream come true” and praised the actor as one of the greatest performers of his generation.
“Working with Anthony again is a dream come true. He is truly one of the greatest actors of our time. He brings such depth, intelligence and quiet intensity to every role, which makes him perfect for Bryant,” the filmmaker said.
“At its core, 2048 is a story about freedom, control and one man’s fight to discover the truth,” he added.
Natalie Burn of ‘Born to Burn’ will produce the film along with Volodymyr Artemenko of Eastern Film Investment.
Burn described ‘2048’ as one of the most ambitious films she has worked on, saying its post-apocalyptic setting and epic sci-fi scale would appeal to audiences while its themes carry an important message for modern society.