Following the confirmation of Wes Anderson’s film adaptation of The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, it has also been reported that Oscar nominees Ralph Fiennes and Dev Patel along with Oscar winner Ben Kingsley have signed on to join the ensemble cast of Anderson’s next Roald Dahl adaptation. They will be joining MCU star Benedict Cumberbatch as he takes on the titular role of a wealthy man who likes gambling. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cumberbatch is also set to portray multiple roles, which will serve as a connection to other stories within the film.
Deadline also brings word that the project will be including three mini-stories which are being likened in the same vein as the Coen brothers’ The Ballad of Buster Scruggs. This anthology format would also be similar to Anderson’s latest ensemble film The French Dispatch.
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The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar was inspired by the real-life Pakistani mystic Kuda Bux, who claimed to be able to see without his eyes. It is described as a tale with many stories within, which follows the character of the titular wealthy man, Dr. John Cartwright, and Imhrat Khan.
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Production is expected to start soon in London. The film adaptation marks Anderson’s first collaboration with streamer and the first confirmed cast. The acclaimed filmmaker recently wrapped up production for his next ensemble project titled Asteroid City, which will star Margot Robbie, Tom Hanks, and Scarlett Johansson.
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Netflix is also currently adapting Dahl’s Matilda into a new musical film, which will be led by Lashana Lynch, Emma Thompson, and Alisha Weir. They’ve also announced several animated projects based on Dahl’s iconic stories following the streamer’s partnership with The Roald Dahl Story Company in 2018.
