The cast has been revealed for Steven Spielberg’s next film, War Horse, to be released by DreamWorks Pictures on August 10, 2011.
Set in 1914, the film centers on Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose that is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey’s courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer’s son he left behind.
According to Empire magazine, young actor Jeremy Irvine has landed the lead role of Albert and is joined by Emily Watson, Peter Mullan, David Thewlis and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Watson and Mullan play Albert’s parents. Cumberbatch will play military man Major Stewart.
Rounding out the internationally diverse cast are Niels Arestrup as the grandfather of a young French girl (Celine Buckens) who takes Joey in, plus Nicolas Bro, David Kross, Leonard Carow, Rainer Bock, Robert Emms and Patrick Kennedy.
Also in talks to join the cast are Tom Hiddleston and Stephen Graham.
Produced by Spielberg and long-time producing partner Kathleen Kennedy, War Horse starts shooting in the UK in August.
