Pierce Brosnan takes on another villain role in new movie `Butterfly on a Wheel`

05-Nov-2005 • Actor News

Moving into his post-007 period, Pierce BrosnanPierce Brosnan is looking to shake and stir expectations: Thesp is taking on the gritty role of a kidnapper who pulls a family apart in the indie thriller "Butterfly on a Wheel" - reports Variety.

Mike BarkerMike Barker will direct the pic, to be produced by Icon, Irish DreamTimeIrish DreamTime and Infinity Feature Canada.

Icon Entertainment Intl. has snapped up world rights to the thriller, penned by William Morrissey.

Plot centers on a happy couple with a seemingly perfect life whose daughter is abducted. Over the course of a day, the kidnapper dismantles the family's lives with brutal efficiency.

Brosnan takes on the role of the "Butterfly""Butterfly" baddie after playing a hitman in the Weinstein Co.'s upcoming "The Matador." Beau St. ClairBeau St. Clair -- a principal with Brosnan in Irish DreamTime -- explained that the actor is seeking darker roles following his successful Bond run.

"This was a very conscious shift, in terms of the company, and a new direction for Pierce," St. Clair told Daily Variety. "Darker, edgier roles are really attractive to him right now. In the post-Bond phase, it's time to take that chance. A role can box you in a bit, and Bond is so iconic, it can hang on you."

A February start is skedded, with locations in Canada and Chicago. Producers said further cast will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

"We believe that is a solid commercial addition to our worldwide sales slate," said Icon chairman Bruce DaveyBruce Davey.

He added that Icon will distribute the pic in the U.K. and Australia and offer "Butterfly" to international buyers at AFM.

Irish DreamTime has been developing the project with Barker and Morrissey, and Marina Grasic brought in the project to Icon. CAA brokered the pactpact that brought the various parties together, and the tenpercenterytenpercentery is partnering with Icon on the pic's domestic sale.

Icon's slate includes Mel GibsonMel Gibson's "Apocalypto" and the Brosnan-Liam Neeson starrer "Seraphim Falls."

DreamTime's slate includes the Brosnan-Greg Kinnear vehicle "Matador," and the banner is developing with Sony "The Topkapi Affair," a follow-up to "The Thomas Crown Affair."

Infinity's "Capote" is in release via Sony Pictures ClassicsSony Pictures Classics. ShingleShingle's "Just Friends" is being rolled out by New Line.

Thanks to `JP` for the alert.