Andy Serkis - From Gollum to Kong

The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Andy Serkis will play not one but two roles in Universal's update of King Kong. The project reunites Serkis with Peter Jackson, the director of the Lord of the Rings trilogy which featured Serkis as Gollum.

THR tells us that, "like he did for Gollum, Serkis will provide motion capture reference for the character of Kong, who will eventually be realized as a completely computer-generated creature."

Furthermore, "Serkis also has been cast as Lumpy the cook, a member of the crew of the Venture, the tramp steamer that sails to Skull Island."

Jackson advised the trade that he expects "this time round will be a very different experience for both Andy and myself as we'll actually get to shoot extended drama sequences together. ... While Andy will provide very valuable onset reference, this doesn't mean we will be softening Kong by attempting to humanize him. The power of the story lies in the fact that this is a savage beast from a hostile environment, and we don't intend to compromise that."

Naomi Watts, Jack Black and Adrien Brody star in the remake of the 1933 classic, which begins filming this summer in New Zealand.

Brought to you by IGN.COM and EBROADCAST AUSTRALIA

© Copyright 2004 by eBroadcast.com.au

Top of Page