Sam Claflin In Talks to Co-Star with Rachel Weisz in ‘My Cousin Rachel’

Variety reports that Sam Claflin (Finnick in The Hunger Games franchise) is in talks to co-star with Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardener, The Lovely Bones) in Fox Searchlight’s remake of My Cousin Rachel, a dark romantic thriller. Screen legends Richard Burton and Olivia de Havilland starred in the 1952 film of the same name.

Roger Michell, who is known for directing both light and dark romantic films (Notting Hill, Enduring Love, Le Week-End) is set to direct as well as write the adaptation.

The story follows Philip (Claflin), who had been raised from birth by his wealthy older cousin, Ambrose. While traveling in another country, Ambrose falls in love and quickly marries Rachel, about whom he initially writes glowing letters to Philip, followed by persecuted letters that Rachel is plotting against him. Ambrose suddenly dies, leaving his entire estate to Philip and nothing to Rachel. Rachel journeys to visit Philip, who is convinced that the seemingly bereaved widow killed his beloved cousin. Initially enraged at Rachel, whom he had never met, and plotting revenge against her, Philip changes his tune when he finally meets the bewitching Rachel, and he too, like Ambrose, falls under her spell. Still, Rachel’s actions raise questions about her possible plot against not only Ambrose, but possibly Philip now as well.

Claflin came to worldwide attention for his role in 2011’s Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Claflin will be seen next in his continuing role of Finnick in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 which will be released in November. The English actor has also wrapped up filming the sequel to Snow White and the Hunstman, in which he reprises his role as the Prince. The Huntsman is set to bow in April 2016.