George Lazenby could be heading back to the big screen

21-Jun-2013 • Actor News

One-time James Bond actor George Lazenby may be heading back to the big screen in a starring role if a young Australian's production can finalise funding.

According to Perth Now, Lazenby has agreed to the leading villain role in 'Justice in a Smoking Gun', a tale of revenge set at the peak of the Victorian gold rush in 1868 aiming to shoot in regional Victoria early next year, if the film can secure financing. As the paper notes, the last time Lazenby filmed in his native Australia was way back in 1977.

25-year-old writer-director David Ludlow said Lazenby has told his agents in LA: "When the kid gets it up and going, I'll come out to Australia and do it." Ludlow said his team is in discussions with Screen Australia, Film Victoria and private investors attempting to lock down funding.

"He's going to play the baddie in the film," Ludlow explained to the paper. "I'd written this Jack Palance/Kirk Douglas-y older character who's a pretty nasty piece of work. George popped into my head and I knew it had to be George Lazenby to play the role."

"I spent much of last year trying to get anyone I could to read (the script). Being a massive James Bond fan, on a whim I sent it to George and within a week or two of getting it, he was on board."

McMahon will play an Irish settler who loses his family and is "set on a path of destruction and redemption", clashing with Jarratt's character along the way. Lazenby will play "a wealthy gold tycoon" who becomes the Irishman's enemy No.1.

"I wouldn't be surprised if George steals the whole movie," said Ludlow. "He's 6'3", built like a truck, has a wonderful head of silver hair, that big strong face and he'll be going toe to toe with Julian McMahon across the gold rush."

Thanks to `Benny` for the alert.