'The Magnificent Seven' Remake: Peter Sarsgaard Nears Deal To Join Cast; Jason Momoa Drops Out

Peter Sarsgaard, known for his role in Zach Braff’s 2004 film “Garden State,” is reportedly ready to join the cast of “The Magnificent Seven” remake as the main villain. According to Deadline, the actor is in final discussions to play Bartholomew Bogue, a robber baron who kills the husband of a woman played by Haley Bennett. Bogue leads a group of bandits who raid a small Mexican village for food and supplies. Seven mercenaries hired by Bennett’s character will confront him.

Meanwhile, it has also been reported that Jason Momoa has decided to drop out of the film. The actor was in negotiations to play one of the seven gunslingers. Producers have not given any reason for Momoa’s exit, but website sources noted the actor did not have much to do in the film.

Momoa will be seen next as Arthur Carey/Aquaman in “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.” He also has a solo Aquaman film in the pipeline, which is set for a 2018 release.

“The Magnificent Seven” will be a remake of the 1960 classic American Western. Antoine Fuqua will direct. Other cast members include Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D’Onofrio, Byung-Hun Lee and Matt Bomer.

Washington will head the gang of the gunslingers. Fuqua and Washington previously worked together in “Training Day” and “ The Equalizer,” and Fuqua is reportedly excited to work once again with Washington.

“Denzel’s all about the work. He’s all about the acting. He’s an actor. He’ll tell you himself, ‘I’m not a movie star, celebrity, something else, I’m an actor.' He steps on a set, that’s what he is, and that’s what he gives you. He gives his heart,” Fuqua said at the 2014 Toronto Film Festival.

Shooting of “The Magnificent Seven” is scheduled to start this month, with release set for January 2017.