Ray Stevenson is set to take over the lead role in the upcoming historical drama 1242: Gateway to the West, replacing a role that was previously attached to Kevin Spacey.
According to Deadline, Stevenson has stepped into the project, which was initially set to be played by Spacey. However, following news of additional sexual assault charges against Spacey, producers on the film removed him from the project, and will now move forward with Stevenson as their star.
Stevenson joins a cast that already included Academy Award-nominee Eric Roberts (Runaway Train), Michael Ironside (Top Gun), Neil Stuke (Sliding Doors), David Schofield (Gladiator), Jeremy Neumark-Jones (Denial), and Genevieve Florence (Avenue 5).
The plot of the film follows a spiritual man (Neumark-Jones) of Hungarian Castle Esztergom who is tasked with confronting and halting the Great Mongolian Army, led by Batu Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan (played by Mongolian actor Bold Choimbol). The film is directed by Péter Soós and written by Áron Horváth and Joan Lane.
According to Deadline, the story will follow their “unlikely meeting during the Mongolian Lunar New Year, when hostilities are paused.” Stevenson will play the role of Papal Legate Cesareani, a Mongol ally who plays a key role as a go-between for both men.
Most recently, Stevenson starred in the smash hit film RRR, where he played antagonist Governor Scott Buxton. Stevenson is also well known for starring in Marvel Studios’ Thor franchise as Volstagg, as well as having played Titus Pullo in the HBO series Rome.
