Christian Bale and Nicolas Cage are both reportedly being considered to star in Universal’s upcoming drama Tesla, Ruler of the World. The Dark Knight Rises actor is being considered to play the titular character – inventor, physicist and engineer, Nikola Tesla and the Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance star, meanwhile, is up for the role of Thomas Edison.
The Film Stage is reporting that Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire director Mike Newell will direct and the film will be based on a script by Vladimir Rajcic. The story will focus on events from Tesla’s life, and will be linked to a current day story of technological crisis.
Taken 2‘s Rade Šerbedžija and Lolita Davidovich of Gods and Monsters fame are also currently lined up to co-star in major supporting roles.
The pairing of Bale and Cage will surely be an intriguing one, as they have both brought a genuine intensity to their respective best roles. Bale is at the height of his fame with the conclusion of his acclaimed Batman trilogy, and we’ll see if he can help bring Cage back to his former level of popularity.
If you remember, Bale has already starred in a film which included the rivalry between Tesla and Edison: 2006’s The Prestige. It will be interesting to see what kind of rivalry the two actors can create this time around between the characters.