Brendan Fraser has been cast as the lead in a new film about the life of European folk hero William Tell.
Producer Todd Moyer confirmed that Fraser will take on the role of the infamous archer in William Tell 3D when it begins production later this year.
“There is no other actor who is more perfectly suited to be the patriot and family man that is William Tell,” Moyer said of the casting news.
“Brendan was the driving force behind the movie being shot in 3D. He’s a witty, charming, and very likeable action hero, and he really anchors the ensemble cast.”
The film will recount the Swiss legend of Tell being forced to try and shoot an apple off his son’s head for refusing to bow to a statue of the king, with his defiance sparking a country-wide rebellion.
German actor Til Schweiger has been cast as the villainous Habsburg King Hermann Gessler, while True Blood star Anna Paquin is in negotiations to star as William Tell’s wife, Zora.
In addition to working on William Tell 3D, Fraser has already been cast in the indie drama Gimme Shelter opposite Vanessa Hudgens, as well as in the Terry George comedy Whole Lotta Sole.
William Tell 3D will begin filming in Europe this Fall.