Two Conspire for Redford

Back in August I reported about a new bio-pic titled "The Conspirator" Robert Redford was directing based off Mary Surratt, a woman who was convicted and hanged for conspiring to kill President Abraham Lincoln. Today Variety reports that Redford has found his Mary Surratt and one of the persons who believed and fought for her innocence. For all the details, read the full story below...


"The Conspirator" has casted Robin Wright Penn as Mary Surratt, the woman believed to have given both John Wilks Booth and his accomplice David Herold their weapons after the assassination had occurred. Penn was last seen in this year's State of Play and can be next seen in the upcoming "New York, I Love You" releasing October 16th and "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee" releasing November 27th both in limited releases.

The second cast member announced along with Robin Wright Penn was James McAvoy, who will be playing the role of Frederick Aiken. Aiken is described as, "an idealistic young war hero who reluctantly defends Surratt and in the process comes to believe she is innocent." McAvoy was said to be Redford's top choice back in August, when "The Conspirator" was first announced and it looks like they've got their man. McAvoy is a great talent and has done well in previous period films, so there is no reason he won't deliver under the direction of Redford. James McAvoy will have a full schedule for the remainder of the year and early 2010 with his schedule having him shooting "I'm With Cancer" this year and also rumored for the sequel to 2008's Wanted.

"The Conspirator" plans to begin shooting in October off James Solomon's script with Redford behind the lense as well as producing. Greg Shapiro and Bill Holderman will produce alongside of Redford under their Wildwood Enterprises banner, while Robert Stone, Webster Stone and Brian Falk will co-produce under the American Film Co. No release date plans have been announced, but a late 2010 date would seem like a lock for a Redford release. More news on "The Conspirator" as it breaks...

What say you? The Conspirator cast intriguing you? Strikeback...