Tobey Maguire, who took a long break from acting after his role in “Pawn Sacrifice”, in 1992, and returned to the cinema with the iconic role of Peter Parker in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” last year, he will now play the acclaimed and legendary king of silent comedy Charlie Chaplin in “Babylon” directed by Damien Chazelle.
Exclusive footage from the film was shown this Thursday, April 28, at CinemaCon, and people already is considering an Oscar nomination for 2023.
The film is set during the Golden Age of Hollywood at the end of the decade of 1920, when sound first debuted in movies.
According to Variety, based on the first footage, the film appears to be a cross between “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” , by Quentin Tarantino, and “The Great Gatsby”, by Baz Luhrmann, with “loud music, dazzling costumes s and a higher level of makeup.”
Maguire will also serve as executive producer alongside Chazelle, who is best known for his directing work on “Whiplash”, “La La Land” and “First Man”.
Joining Tobey will be a star-studded cast of Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie. Pitt plays John Gilbert, known for his performances in “The Merry Widow” and “The Big Parade.” Meanwhile, Robbie will take on the role of the quintessential flapper girl and sex symbol, Clara Bow.
“Babylon” it also stars Katherine Waterston, Olivia Wilde, Samara Weaving, Spike Jonze, Jeff Garlin and Eric Roberts.
Without a doubt, the star of “Spider-Man” will not only have to live up to of the legacy created by Chaplin, but also of the award-winning performance of Robert Downey Jr. in the biographical film “Chaplin”, from 1920, directed by Richard Attenborough. Downey received universal critical acclaim for his work, earning an Oscar nomination and winning a BAFTA for the role.
“Babylon,” produced by Paramount Pictures, is scheduled to be released theatrically on 25 December 2022.