2048: Anthony Hopkins is set to star in a new sci-fi film
Details about the plot have already been announced
Anthony Hopkins has landed a new role. The actor is set to star in the post-apocalyptic science fiction film "2048," according to Deadline. The director has also been confirmed: Timothy Woodward Jr. will helm the project. The filmmaker has worked with Hopkins before; Hopkins previously starred in "Eyes in the Trees," directed by Woodward Jr. The sci-fi horror film is a reimagining of H. G. Wells' 1896 novel "The Island of Doctor Moreau." The film is reportedly currently in post-production.
As for "2048," details about the plot have already been revealed. The sci-fi film paints a picture of a bleak future. The last survivors of humanity have established a vast underground society. However, they are monitored by the so-called "Collective." What's more, the authoritarian regime has erased all memories of life on the surface.
"Complex and fascinating"
Quite a bit is already known about the protagonists. According to Deadline:
"The story follows Wesley, an ordinary worker whose life is upended when he becomes entangled with a hidden resistance questioning everything the Collective has taught them. As Wesley begins searching for the truth, he draws the attention of Bryant, played by Hopkins, the brilliant and ruthless architect of the Collective, who maintains his grip over society through surveillance, manipulation and psychological terror."
Speaking about the film and his character in "2048," Hopkins says:
"The story is complex and fascinating. [...] Bryant is an equally complex character, intelligent, restrained and frightening in the absolute conviction with which he views the world."
The screenplay for "2048" was written by Sean Ryan. The post-apocalyptic sci-fi film is produced by Natalie Burn and Volodymyr Artemenko. A release date has not been announced.
Anthony Hopkins: A top-tier star with two Oscars
With Anthony Hopkins, the planned sci-fi production has secured a star who has been a titan of the film industry for decades – and boasts an impressive filmography. Among his best-known works is undoubtedly the thriller "The Silence of the Lambs", directed by Jonathan Demme, in which he starred alongside Jodie Foster as the serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter. His outstanding performance won over not only audiences but also critics. The reward: In 1992, he won the Oscar for Best Actor.
It would not be the last Academy Award of his career. Even though he had to wait quite a while for his second Oscar. In 2021, the moment finally arrived: For his role in Florian Zeller's "The Father," he once again received the award for Best Actor. As the protagonist suffering from dementia, he delivered a performance in the drama that once again impressively demonstrated his talent.
Blockbusters and science fiction
In addition to challenging roles in films like "The Silence of the Lambs" and "The Father", Hopkins has also appeared in several blockbusters. For example, in the role of Odin, he is a staple of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he made his debut in Kenneth Branagh's "Thor" film adaptation alongside Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman. He also made an appearance in the "Transformers" franchise, playing Sir Edmund Burton in "The Last Knight."
Nevertheless, very few viewers are likely to think of science fiction when they hear the name Anthony Hopkins. Yet he had already made his mark in the genre long before "Eyes in the Trees" and "2048". In Zack Snyder's space adventure "Rebel Moon," for example, he provided the voice for a mechanical character. Above all, however, he left a lasting impression as one of the cast members of "Westworld." In the HBO series about a futuristic Wild West theme park, he played the role of Dr. Robert Ford. In any case, Hopkins not only has numerous big-screen appearances to his credit but has also been involved in numerous TV productions throughout his career. Most recently, he appeared in 2024 in "Those About to Die," a series about ancient Rome, directed by Roland Emmerich, among others.
With his role in "2048," Hopkins – now 88 years old – shows that, after all his roles, he clearly hasn't grown the least bit tired of being in front of the camera.