Swedish sensation Stellan Skarsgard is in negotiations to play Martin Vanger in David Fincher's remake of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," the actor has told Variety.
Skarsgard confirms that he has met with Fincher, the two of them want to work together and he has been made an actual offer that calls for a contract covering the period of September to March.
Skarsgard confirmed reports that most of the movie will be filmed in Stockholm, adding that there will be some studio and location work done in the U.S. when it becomes too dark to film in Sweden during the winter.
Columbia Pictures is remaking the Swedish hit, which is based on the first novel in Stieg Larsson's "Millennium" trilogy, named after the news magazine that the protagonist works for. Oscar winner Steve Zaillian ("Schindler's List") adapted the screenplay and will exec produce, while Scott Rudin will produce with Sweden-based Yellow Bird Films.
Zaillian is also reportedly in talks to adapt the sequel, "The Girl Who Played With Fire."
Daniel Craig is set to play cunning journalist Mikael Blomkvist, while Fincher's "Social Network" star Rooney Mara is among the finalists to play troubled computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, along with up-and-coming actress Emily Browning ("Sucker Punch").
Skarsgard is a brilliant actor who rarely gets the credit he deserves. As one of Hollywood's most reliable character actors, he's just threatening enough to be perfect for the Vanger character, who is one of he principal suspects in the 40-year-old disappearance of a teenage girl. Peter Haber played the part in the original.
Skarsgard will always have a place in this Boston-born blogger's heart because of his great performance in "Good Will Hunting." In fact, the first feature-length screenplay I worked on at NYU Film School was actually written with Skarsgard in mind for the role of a New York talent agent on the downside of his career who sees part of himself in a young writer seeking a mentor — but that's a different story for another day.
The acclaimed actor also has the unique ability to elevate lesser material, such as "The Glass House," HBO's "Entourage" and Ron Howard's "Angels & Demons," another high-profile literary adaptation released by Columbia.
Skarsgard recently wrapped Kenneth Branagh's "Thor," and the Halle Berry multiple personality drama "Frankie and Alice." He's currently re-teaming with frequent collaborator Lars von Trier on the director's upcoming sci-fi film "Melancholia."
ICM represents Skarsgard.
