Ralph Fiennes in talks for Mike Newell's adaptation of GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Charles Dickens' year-round celebration in honor of his bicentary begins in 2012. In February, we told you about Mike Newell's feature adaptation. Since then, the film has cast Jeremy Irvine (War Horse) as Pip and Helena Bonham Carter is in talks for Miss Havisham. According to the Daily Mail, Ralph Fiennes has been approached for the role of Magwitch. Rooney Mara (The Social Network and the upcoming remake of The Girl With Dragon Tattoo) was in early talks for the female lead, Estella, but has now dropped out because of scheduling conflicts. 

Rowan Joffe (The American) is adapting the the film which tells the story of "orphan Pip (Irvine) across thirty years, as he encounters characters like escaped convict Magwitch and the shut-away Miss Havisham, while falling for the latter’s adopted daughter Estella." There have been a bunch of adaptations, but my personal favorite is a modern retelling by Alfonso Cuarón in 1998 that starred Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert De Niro. Filming is scheduled to begin in the fall to make sure release will coincide with the bicentary.

What are your thoughts on this casting news?