If there’s a simple rule we’ve learned over the years to the casting in Quentin Tarantino’s movies, it’s to never underestimate his willingness to make quirky and out-of-the-box choices (or to cast Samuel L. Jackson in every movie).
From Mike Myers’ unforgettably bizarre cameo in Inglourious Basterds to John Travolta’s career-reviving turn as Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction, Tarantino always seem to have a surprise up his sleeve, and so, I guess we shouldn’t be surprised when we hear a name you wouldn’t even dream of connected with his next film, 2012′s Django Unchained.
The latest name to fit that bill is Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen, who is in talks to play the part of a white slaveholder who purchases Jamie Foxx’s wife in the Western, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Baron Cohen can act — there’s little denying that — but he’s almost solely known for transforming himself into absurd comedic characters like Borat, Ali G and Bruno.
That said, maybe he’s looking to change the narrative arc of his career — albeit slightly. He has a starring role in Hugo, the latest from Martin Scorsese, which will be released at the end of next week. Working with directors like Tarantino and Scorsese is sure to change the way he’s seen.
