Hayden Christensen to play Mandrake the Magician

You'd be forgiven for thinking there could not be a more exciting time for the potential of Lee Falk characters appearing on the screen, with both a new Phantom movie and TV-series headed our way. Well, you were very wrong, as actor Hayden Christensen, best known for starring as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in "Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones" and "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith", plus his role in the recent Doug Liman-directed sci-fi thriller "Jumper", has seemingly been cast as Mandrake in a new movie of the same name, according to the website of production company Omega Entertainment.

Djimon Honsou, perhaps best known for his fine performances in films such as "Gladiator" and "Blood Diamond", has also been added to the cast in an unknown role. However, it is easy to guess that he is likely playing Lothar, Mandrake's faithful friend and partner in crimefighting. Mimi Leder ("The Peacemaker", "Deep Impact") is listed as directing.

Longtime fans of the character may remember actor Jonathan Rhys-Meyers was originally cast as Mandrake in this project, when the film was still supposed to be directed by Chuck Russell. What caused the two to depart from the project is unknown.

Discuss these news at the forum.