Not the most reliable source for information but this news seems to fit nicely. The Sunday Times here in the U.K. are reporting that BORAT star Sacha Baron Cohen has been persuaded by Steven Spielberg to accept a part in THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7, a movie fighting it out with his LINCOLN biopic to be the legendary director's next film after INDIANA JONES IV.
The role he is up for is that of Abbie Hoffman, a self-identified Jewish Road Warrior and social-political activist who became a fugitive of the law following a conviction for cocaine dealing. He was arrested and tried for conspiracy and inciting to riot as a result of his role in protests that led to violent confrontations with police during the 1968 Democratic National Convention, with other individuals who became known collectively as the Chicago Seven. Spielberg's movie based on an Aaron Sorkin screenplay (A FEW GOOD MEN, CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR) will follow the events of the trial and before the strike it was talked about as having a March start date. Spielberg is said to have put down a $6 million offer for the British actor who won great acclaim for his BORAT character and someone who many are touting as a contender for a Best Supporting Actor nod for his role as Johnny Depp's rival hairdresser Signor Adolpho Pirelli in SWEENEY TODD. Cohen seemingly has accepted the chance to work with the Oscar winning director. Great casting if true. Sacha Baron Cohen is one of the more exciting talents out there at the moment and his ability to completely disappear into whatever character he is portraying will suit Spielberg well here for the rather unique Hoffman figure. Five years ago I would have gone for Jim Carrey for the part but with his career the way it is now and Cohen's work just being so exciting, I think he is making the right choice. Let's hope the writer's strike hasn't spoilt the chances of this being Spielberg's next movie. source -
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