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Photo Charlie Gray<\/p>\n Photo Charlie Gray<\/p>\n
Nation.Cymru staff<\/p>\n
Sir Anthony Hopkins is to star as the leader of an authoritarian regime in a new post-apocalyptic science-fiction film.<\/p>\n
The Port Talbot-born actor, 88, will play Bryant in 2048, which is set in a future where the remaining human population has been forced underground by a dying planet.<\/p>\n
The film will reunite the two-time Oscar winner with director Timothy Woodward Jr, with whom he recently worked on the forthcoming sci-fi horror film Eyes In The Trees.<\/p>\n
In 2048, humanity lives in a vast underground society controlled by an authoritarian regime known as the Collective, which has erased memories of life on the surface.<\/p>\n
The story centres on Wesley, a worker whose life changes after he becomes involved with a secret resistance movement and begins questioning what he has been told about the outside world.<\/p>\n
His search for the truth brings him into conflict with Bryant, played by Sir Anthony, who created the Collective and maintains control through surveillance, manipulation and fear.<\/p>\n
Sir Anthony told Deadline: \u201cHaving recently been directed by Tim Woodward Jr, I thought it would be interesting to find another script to film.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were a number of suggestions and ideas briefly talked about, and then, suddenly, the screenplay 2048 emerged from those conversations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe story is complex and fascinating: it taps into the mysterious contradictions that are hidden within human nature, our capacity for both extraordinary creative achievement and compassion, and the terrible mystery of cruelty.<\/p>\n
\u201cBryant is an equally complex character, intelligent, restrained and frightening in the absolute conviction with which he views the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am so looking forward to working with Timothy again and to bring this story to life.\u201d<\/p>\n
The screenplay has been written by Sean Ryan, with further casting under way and filming planned in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
Woodward said: \u201cWorking with Anthony again is a dream come true. He is truly one of the greatest actors of our time.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe brings such depth, intelligence and quiet intensity to every role, which makes him perfect for Bryant.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt its core, 2048 is a story about freedom, control and one man\u2019s fight to discover the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Debut album<\/p>\n
The new role comes shortly after Sir Anthony achieved another success away from the screen when his debut album topped the UK classical music chart.<\/p>\n
Life is a Dream, released by Decca Classics last month, features music composed by Sir Anthony over more than six decades, including pieces inspired by his childhood in south Wales.<\/p>\n
Among them is Bracken Road, inspired by his memories of Margam and the landscape surrounding his family home in the 1940s, while My Fatherland draws on traditional Welsh melodies.<\/p>\n
Sir Anthony, who began playing piano at the age of four, has previously described music as his \u201cfirst desire\u201d and has composed throughout his acting career.<\/p>\n
The album is the latest achievement in a career which has earned him two Academy Awards for best actor, for The Silence of the Lambs and The Father.<\/p>\n
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