Variety reports that Law joins the film — unofficially titled Knights of the Round Table — in an unspecified role that could be either a single-film villain or a role that stretches across the planned six-film franchise. He joins Pacific Rim and Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam (as King Arthur) and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides actress Astrid Berges-Frisbey (as Guinevere) in the announced cast.
If Ritchie’s Arthurian saga holds true to popular mythology and Law plays a multi-film role, it’s very likely that he’ll play Mordred, who opposed Arthur in many of the legends and is generally viewed as one of the primary villains in Arthurian myth. However, given the vast amount of Arthurian mythology to draw from, it’s equally likely that Law could play a different role in the film.
The outlet also notes that casting is underway again for the role of Arthur’s mentor, a role that Idris Elba was previously expected to fill in the film. According to the outlet, Elba and the studio parted ways on the project and the character is once again open for casting.
The project is a reunion of sorts for Ritchie and Law, with Law playing Dr. John Watson in the Sherlock Holmes franchise directed by Ritchie.
The first installment of the King Arthur saga is scheduled to arrive in theaters July 22, 2016.
