Once upon a time the precise and devilishly contemptible
Alan Rickman would have relished the jewel thief role originated by Michael Caine in the rather fabulous 60's original caper classic
Gambit and who will be portrayed in an impending remake by Oscar winner
Colin Firth but at this stage of his career, Rickman is content with turning up in supporting appearances as wacky scene-chewing characters and stealing the show.
The Wrap say Rickman has joined the
Coen Brothers scripted (!!!) and Michael Hoffman (The Last Station, One Fine Day) directed Gambit remake as Lord Shahbandar, the perversely rich man who is conned by thief Firth and
Cameron Diaz (a dead ringer for his late wife) who steal a priceless statue from him. Rickman + eccentric billionare = fun. Also joining the cast is Brit veteran
Tom Courtenay as 'Major' when production kicks off next month in London. CBS Films will release Gambit, their highest profile picture yet (they were behind Faster & Extraordinary Measures) next year. We've gushed over how this remake is shaping up
a few times already and we are delighted by today's additions...