Alan Rickman and Tom Courtenay join cast of GAMBIT remake

Alan Rickman and Tom Courtenay have joined the cast of Michael Hoffman's remake of the 1960 heist film, Gambit from Crime Scene Pictures. They will star alongside Cameron Diaz and Colin Firth in the film that centers "on a pair of criminals who team up to con the richest man in England." Rickman stars in the role of Lord Shahbandar and Courtenay as a character named the Major in the screenplay by Joel and Ethan Coen.

Surprisingly, I have not seen the original film, which starred Michael Caine and Shirley MacLaine. Mike Lobell is producing alongside Crime Scene Pictures partners Adam Ripp and Rob Paris, who are also financing. 

Diaz is the only cast member that I am not too thrilled about. I love Rickman and Firth. What are your thoughts on this casting news?