Sony Drops Aaron Sorkin's Molly's Game As Idris Elba Signs On

Jessica Chastain confirmed for the lead role.

File photo dated 02/10/14 of Idris Elba whose maverick detective John Luther is heading back to TV with two special episodes set for BBC One next year.
Leon Neal/PA Wire

Following on from the huge success of The Jungle Book, in which he provided the voice for the villainous Shere Khan, acclaimed British actor Idris Elba has entered into talks to star opposite Jessica Chastain in the directorial debut of legendary screenwriter Aaron Sorkin.

The news, which emerged via an insider source and was reported at The Wrap, signals yet another diverse choice for the versatile actor who is also set to appear in two more 2016 blockbusters, Star Trek Beyond and Finding Dory.

Molly's Game, which Sorkin has adapted himself from Molly Bloom's memoirs, tells the story of her experiences as a world-class skier who failed to make the Olympics and subsequently became involved in illegal high-stakes gambling in Los Angeles. With Chastain confirmed in the title role, Elba looks set to play Bloom's criminal defense attorney, who represented Bloom following an investigation by the FBI which brought down her operations after eight years.

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News of Elba's potential arrival to the project came at the same time that Sony Pictures announced their withdrawal. In an additional report from The Wrap, the studio has yet to explain their decision, but production is set to go ahead as co-financers the Mark Gordon Company and Entertainment One look to shopping the film at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

Speaking of the project, Gordon said, €œWorking with Aaron once again has been truly rewarding, and we€™re thrilled to have Jessica and Idris, two of the most talented actors in film today, coming on board."

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