A few months ago we reported on Robert Zemeckis’ vision to bring the “artistic crime of the century” to the big screen. Well, the Oscar winner’s project is off to great start with the addition of several cast members including fellow Oscar winner Ben Kingsley (Gandhi). According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kingsley, along with James Badge Dale (World War Z) and Charlotte Le Bon (The Hundred-Foot Journey) are in talks to join Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Don Jon) who is already cast in the lead.
Gordon-Levitt will play high-wire artist Philippe Petit, who walked between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center for 45 minutes on August 7, 1974. Petit was arrested upon stepping off the wire, however formal charges were dropped on the condition that he would put on a Central Park performance for children.
In the film, Kingsley will play Petit’s mentor, while Dale will play his friend. Le Bon will play Petit’s girlfriend.
To Reach the Clouds is expected to start filming this summer in Montreal.
For more information on Petit and his artistic crime of the century, check out his memoir To Reach the Clouds as well as the 2008 documentary Man on Wire, which chronicles Petit’s endeavor.
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