Baron Cohen and Kingsley to join Scorsese's THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET

Director Martin Scorsese is currently in discussions with both Sacha Baron Cohen and Ben Kingsley to star in his next film, The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

The novel centers on an orphaned boy who secretly lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station and looks after the clocks. He gets caught up in a mystery adventure when he attempts to repair a mechanical man.

The novel won the Randolph Caldecott Medal in 2008 for the most distinguished American picture book for children. Chris Wedge (Ice Age) was previously attached to direct the film. John Logan (The Aviator) wrote the script.

I honestly never thought I would see the day where Baron Cohen would end up in a Scorsese film, but he will play the role of the station inspector. Kingsley will play George Melies, the famous silent filmmaker who plays a pivotal role in the film.

GK Films will independently produce the live-action feature and will most likely be distributed by Sony Pictures. Shooting is scheduled to start on June 1st in London.