Director Terry Gilliam has confirmed today what had been speculated for some time now- that Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell will be stepping into the shoes of Heath Ledger to complete the late actor’s work on The Imaginarium Of Dr. Parnassus.
According to a report from Reuters, production has resumed on the $30 million fantasy film in Vancouver. Ledger’s work was captured during the production’s location shooting in London late last year.
A statement merely attributed to the film’s producers seems to confirm the online speculation that the trio of actors would play various parts of Ledger’s character after he steps through a magical mirror. The statement also nixed rumors that a portion of Ledger’s role would be completed using computerized digital effects technology.
Since the format of the story allows for the preservation of his entire performance, at no point will Heath’s work be modified or altered through the use of digital technology. Each of the parts played by Johnny, Colin and Jude is representative of the many aspects of the character that Heath was playing.
The story also quotes Gilliam as saying that the production is continuing forward “with the blessing and support of Heath Ledger’s family”.
I am delighted that Heath’s brilliant performance can be shared with the world. We are looking forward to finishing the movie and, through the film, with a modicum of humility, being able to touch people’s hearts and souls as Heath was able to do.
