We knew absolutely ages ago that Ray Winstone was set to play the John Thaw character in the Nick Love directed remake of THE SWEENEY, and here it is all nicely confirmed via press release. The great news is that the Dennis Waterman role has also been cast in the form of Ben ‘Plan B’ Drew, who was simply awesome in HARRY BROWN a couple of years back.
As always, I have posted the full press release below, along with some nice promo shots of the suo ‘in character’. The flick will be in cinemas in 2012.
Vertigo Films are proud to announce that 2011 Brit Winner, Ben Drew (Plan B) has signed up to play George Carter in the upcoming movie THE SWEENEY. He will star alongside Ray Winstone, who’ll play Jack Regan in the full-length feature film.
Based on the original ITV cult classic TV show, THE SWEENEY will be a modernization of the London Flying Squad, directed by Nick Love (THE FOOTBALL FACTORY, THE FIRM) and co-written by Bafta Winner John Hodge (TRAINSPOTTING).
Set in present day England, THE SWEENEY will be packed full of fast cars, action and wise cracks as it follows Flying Squad detectives Jack Regan, (originally played John Thaw,) George Carter (original played by Dennis Waterman) and their team, as they work to keep the bad guys down!
Director and co writer Nick Love states, “I’m very excited about Ben playing Carter – he brings an intelligence and sensitivity that is crucial for THE SWEENEY. Ben is also one of the most promising and multi-talented young performers around. For me, Ray (Winstone) and Ben are the ultimate casting for a character driven action thriller set in London today.”
Ben Drew adds. “It’s a dream come true for me to be in a film with Ray Winstone who is one of my favourite British actors of all time and I’m really excited about working with Nick Love in what I feel will be a challenging role for me to play”
Ray states, “I cant wait to work with Nick Love on The Sweeney, it was an inspired casting to have Ben Drew as George Carter, I’m a huge fan of his. “
