Crime Scene Pictures Partners Adam Ripp and Rob Paris announced today that Alan Rickman (“Harry Potter” Series, Alice in Wonderland) and Sir Tom Courtenay (The Golden Compass) have joined the cast of Gambit, which is based on the 1966 British caper comedy which starred Michael Caine and Shirley MacLaine. Rickman will portray Lord Shahbandar and Sir Tom Courtenay will step into the role of The Major.
Mike Lobell (The Freshman, Honeymoon in Vegas) is producing alongside Crime Scene Pictures partners Adam Ripp and Rob Paris, who are also financing. Rizal Risjad is executive producing. CBS Films recently acquired the US distribution rights, while FilmNation Entertainment is handling international sales.
Academy Award Winner Colin Firth (The King’s Speech) and Cameron Diaz (Bad Teacher, The Green Hornet) will star, with Michael Hoffman (The Last Station) directing from a screenplay by Academy Award Winners Joel and Ethan Coen (No Country for Old Men, True Grit).
Ripp and Paris said: “We are thrilled to have added two world class actors to our already formidable cast. Alan and Sir Tom are the perfect additions to this classic comedic heist.”
Gambit will begin shooting in May in London and centers on Harry Deane (Firth), a London art curator who enlists a Texas Rodeo Queen (Diaz) in a scheme to con the richest man in England.
Rickman is represented by William Morris Endeavor Entertainment and Independent Talent Group, and Courtenay is represented by Jonathan Altaras Associates and Artist International Management.
