After rumors swirling last week that Leonardo DiCaprio is in talks to play the evil slave owner Calvin Candie in Quentin Tarantino‘s Django Unchained, we now have confirmation. Deadline reports that talks are beginning soon for the actor to join the spaghetti western.
Even though Will Smith was circling the lead role of Django, a freed slave who enacts revenge under the guidance of a German bounty hunter (with all signs going to Inglourious Basterds Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz for that role), it looks like DiCaprio has a greater chance at joining the film than him. Tarantino is keeping his options open since the road to signing Smith is difficult one, and is said to be looking at Idris Elba, Jamie Foxx and Chris Tucker as well.
As reported earlier, longtime Tarantino alum Samuel L. Jackson is “expected” to join as Candie’s house slave Stephen, who is a cohort to the evil slavemaster. After reading the script, I think DiCaprio and Jackson are perfect for these two, slimy roles. It will be fantastic to see the actors take on something a bit different, especially for the former.
When it comes to Django, the idea of Smith warmed on me, but I’d much rather see Elba in the role. The thought of Stringer Bell enacting sweet revenge through the deep south is more enticing than words can express. As for Foxx and Tucker’s possible involvement, I hope Tarantino is joking.
Django Unchained is expected to shoot this fall in the South, possibly in Louisiana. Expect a 2012 release date.
Who would you like to see play Django?