Christian Bale Passes On Darren Aronofsky’s ‘Noah’ – Michael Fassbender A Possible Replacement?

Variety report that Christian Bale has had to pass on playing the lead role in Darren Aronofsky’s epically-scaled retelling of the biblical story ‘Noah’ due to scheduling issues with the two Terrence Malick films (Lawless and Knight of Cups) he’s shooting back to back next year. Apparently Aronofsky has discussed the role with Michael Fassbender as a replacement.

‘Noah’ would be Aronofsky’s follow up effort to the Oscar-nominated and hugely profitable ‘Black Swan,’ which grossed $315 million worldwide on a $12 million budget. Talking about the project Aronofsky had the following to say: “Since I was a kid, I have been moved and inspired by the story of Noah and his family’s journey. The imaginations of countless generations have sparked to this epic story of faith. It’s my hope that I can present a window into Noah’s passion and perserverence for the silver screen.”

I’ve got extremely high hopes for this film, this project has been one Aronofsky’s been developing since his teens. The premise and sheer ambition of ‘Noah’ has me stoked. Aronofsky is the man behind some of my favourite films of the last twelve years in ‘The Wrestler,’ ‘The Fountain,’ ‘Requiem for a Dream,’ ‘Pi’ and ‘Black Swan’ – fingers crossed ‘Noah’ adds to that list. The film is to start production by spring 2012. John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator) is set to rewrite the script by Aronofsky and Ari Handel, while Aronofsky and Scott Franklin will produce it.