Anthony Hopkins in final negotiations for Arabian Nights villain

Heatvision is reporting that Anthony Hopkins will play the main villain in the upcoming Arabian Nights adaptation. Now this is pretty cool! I loved his casting as Odin in the upcoming Marvel picture, Thor. Funny connection here. Hopkins will play Odin alongside Chris Hemsworth, who is playing the title character of Thor. In Arabian Nights, Hopkins is set to play alongside Liam, Chris Hemsworth's brother.

'Nights' is set to be directed by Chuck Russell, director of The Scorpion King, Eraser, and The Mask. Pretty good resume for a special effect-heavy picture like this one will be.

Here's how Heatvision describes Hopkins' character:

Hopkins will play Pharotu, an evil sorcerer who killed Sinbad’s love, a mermaid, and is looking to amass more magic for himself.

I'm super excited about this adaptation, and will keep you posted as more news is released.

Chuck Russell to direct Arabian Nights... in 3D

Variety is reporting that Chuck Russell has been tapped to direct Arabian Nights in 3D. The movie has a 70 million dollar budget and will start shooting in April of next year. I thought this was interesting, the paper reveals a plot:

In a new spin on the classic, the story follows a young commander who, after his king is killed in a palace coup, joins forces with Sinbad, Aladdin and his genie to rescue Scheherazade and her kingdom from dark powers.

That may be interesting; seeing Sinbad AND Aladdin working with the Genie. Again, it could be great or really fall on its face. We'll have to wait and see. We'll keep you posted.