David Yates is hard at work on revitalizing the Tarzan franchise for Warner Bros. Production is starting this Summer but so far, we haven’t really heard much on the casting front. Apparently, Alexander Skarsgard is wanted for the Jungle Man himself, and Samuel L. Jackson was rumoured to be up for a part, but other than that we haven’t heard a whole lot.
Today though, we’re hearing from The New York Post that Jessica Chastain is wanted for the role of Tarzan’s love interest, Jane. The studio hasn’t issued an official comment just yet but apparently, the actress is the first choice and they are actively pursuing her.
Even without official confirmation, this seems like it could be true. Chastain had a breakout year in 2011 and hasn’t really slowed down since. She’s coming off a strong turn in the horror flick Mama and an Oscar nod for her role in Zero Dark Thirty, so she’s definitely pretty hot in the industry right now.
We’re not sure how big a role Jane will play in Yates’ upcoming film but if an actress like Jessica Chastain is wanted, then it must be an important one. The role will likely be something more than just your typical damsel-in-distress character. Or at least we hope it is.
For those who are unfamiliar with the project, you can check out the plot summary below:
Years after he’s re-assimilated into society, [John Clayton III, a.k.a. Tarzan] is asked by Queen Victoria to investigate the goings-on in the Congo. Tarzan teams with an ex-mercenary named George Washington Williams to save the Congo from a fierce warlord who controls a massive diamond mine.
