Michael Shannon, Benicio Del Toro and James Franco Cast In THE ICEMAN

Millenium Films announced today that Michael Shannon, Benicio Del Toro and James Franco have been cast in The Iceman to be directed by Ariel Vromen (Danike, Rx).

Vromen co-wrote the screenplay for the film with Morgan Land (Rx, The Point of No Return), based on the book The Iceman: The True Story of a Cold-Blooded Killer by Anthony Bruno and on interview footage from the documentary The Iceman Tapes: Conversations with a Killer by Jim Thebaut.

Here the official synopsis:

THE ICEMAN is the electrifying true story of Richard Kuklinski (Shannon), a notorious mob contract killer and loving family man. He earned his nickname by freezing the bodies of his victims, disguising the time of death, and throwing police off-track. He was a man who used his tendencies toward violence and detachment from consequence to create an idyllic family life. His family and neighbors believed he was an average businessman, having no idea about his deadly alternate life. Kuklinski killed over one hundred people during his life. He never felt remorse for anything he had done, except hurting his family. Del Toro co-stars as Kuklinski’s employer, the notorious mobster Roy Demeo, and Franco plays his mentor assassin known as Mr. Softee.

Here is what Nu Image/Millenium's Avi Lerner had to say about the project:

“Our film is going to be fantastic. The story is riveting, the cast perfect, and all being directed by the talents of Ariel Vromen. We are pleased to be working with Bleiberg Entertainment."

Vromen had the following to say about the project:

“I am honored to work with such a talented cast on such a compelling story. Since the early stages of development I had the dream of casting Michael Shannon as Kuklinski, as I believe there's no one else that can play this part better than him."

Millenium Films are partnering with Blieberg Entertainment on the project. Here is what Ehud Blieberg had to say about the project:

“Richard Kuklinski is a remarkably vivid, imminently watchable character, as was evident from the real-life footage of him. I’m looking forward to working with Avi, Danny, Trevor, and Boaz on this film; Ariel is a tremendously talented young filmmaker who has poured his heart into this project and has a strong, artistic vision.” 

This project has been one that I have been excited about since I first heard of it's development. Michael Shannon is a great character actor and this will be a perfect role for him to take the lead on. I am glad to see Del Toro taking on this role and am confident he will redeem himself for The Wolfman. James Franco continues to amaze me and I for one am excited to see him co-host the Oscars.  

What are your thoughts on this news?