After working with Terrence Malick, Christopher Nolan, Ridley Scott, Andrew Dominik, Derek Cianfrance, and many more, Ben Mendelsohn finally got a substantial leading role this year with Mississippi Grind, leading to more deserved attention. It looks like he’s now caught the eyes of another top director: Steven Spielberg.
On the heels of Bridge of Spies and ahead of The BFG this summer, he plans to kick off production on Ready Player One this March in the U.K. and now he’s found his villain. According to THR, Mendelsohn is in early talks for the role of an evil Internet executive in the story which is partially set in a virtual world called Oasis. Also starring Olivia Cooke, it follows a yet-to-be-cast teenager who finds himself competing in a treasure hunt against ruthless foes after the game’s founder dies and offers his fortune as the grand prize.
Set for a release on December 15th, 2017, expect casting confirmations soon. Meanwhile, Mendelsohn can be seen later this year in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Una with Rooney Mara. As we await Spielberg’s next films, check out his extensive talk with Harrison Ford for Raiders of the Lost Ark back in 2011 for its 30th anniversary screening in Los Angeles, along with some recent extensive conversations with Mendelsohn.