Terry Gilliam‘s next high concept entry, The Zero Theorem, is adding to its already promising cast as David Thewlis has just signed on to join the film.
Thewlis, probably most recognizable as the lycanthropy-addled Remus Lupin from the last couple “Harry Potter” films, will join the film’s lead Christoph Waltz, as well as Jelanie Thierry, with Tilda Swinton also rumored to appear. Scripted by Pat Rushin, The Zero Theorem will follow Qohen Leth, an eccentric and reclusive computer genius obsessed with finding the reason for human existence.
Pretty heavy stuff, huh? Not according to Gilliam, who compared the film to 12 Monkeys saying:
“It’s very funny. That synopsis sounds much darker and broodier than it is. The main character is literally living in this burnt-out chapel which one could take as a metaphor for old beliefs and old systems. He’s a computer genius but he’s just sitting there waiting for a phone call, which he’s hoping will give meaning to his life….It really is about relationships, and discovering what’s really important in life.”
While it’s unclear exactly which character Thewlis will play, there’s at least one character mentioned in the script that he could be attached to: the shadowy figure known only as Management, which I’m guessing serves as the Orwellian boogeyman of the film.
Gilliam is already in pre-production on location in Bucharest, where the film will begin shooting starting October 22nd. Also, just a couple of days ago via his official Facebook page, Gilliam posted an image of the burnt-out chapel set that will serve as the film’s main set piece, check it out below.
No release date is set for The Zero Theorem as of yet, but we’ll let you know as more info comes our way.
