Although Brendan Gleeson (In Bruges) has been earning rave reviews for his starring performance alongside Don Cheadle in John Michael McDonagh‘s upcoming The Guard, the actor’s attention as of late has been revolving mostly around gathering enough financing to back his adaptation of Flann O’Brien‘s 1939 novel At Swim-Two-Birds. (Check out the novel’s Amazon page by clicking here.)
Gleeson, who would be making his directorial debut on the project, has spent over four years working on the screenplay, and almost as much time ensuring the participation of a group of actors that includes Gabriel Byrne, Colin Farrell, and Cillian Murphy, as well as Gleeson’s son Domhall.
Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who might be best known for his role in Woody Allen‘s Match Point, has also been named as a principal cast member, though his involvement is less concrete than the aforementioned trio. If Meyers‘ involvement does eventually fall through, however, Gleeson should have little trouble overcoming the difficulties, especially after Michael Fassbender — who seems to be circling everything nowadays — has signed on to join the cast. [The Playlist]
In 2011, Fassbender has been enjoying an outstanding level of exposure that will only increase with the coming months. Having already appeared in Jane Eyre and X-Men: First Class, the versatile actor is far from finished this year, as his upcoming slate of 2011 projects includes potential Oscar contenders such as Haywire, Shame, and A Dangerous Method. His involvement in At Swim-Two-Birds should no doubt help secure Gleeson‘s financing, which may have found a home with Luxembourg producer Jani Thiltes. A Spring 2012 shoot date is the current target.
What do you think of the potential for Gleeson’s debut? Have you read the source material?