'Downton Abbey' Star Hugh Bonneville to Topline 3D 'Captain Nemo'

CANNES -- Hugh Bonneville is set to star in Captain Nemo, a 3D action movie that is scheduled to begin filming in August in China. Shoreline Entertainment has acquired worldwide rights to the project, which will be partially financed by Chinese investors.         

The movie’s being billed as a “steampunk” tale that will serve as a sequel of sorts to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and follow Captain Nemo, as he joins forces with President Ulysses Grant to battle an evil genius who is causing naval disasters.

Pearry Teo will direct on soundstages in Beijing with Los Angeles-based Illuminate Hollywood overseeing the 3D visual effects. Page Four’s Mark Rudnitsky and Amy Krell are producing. The project reunites Teo and Krell, who previously filmed Witchville in China for the SyFy Channel. Shoreline founder and CEO Morris Ruskin will executive produce along with Asia Bridge’s Steve Chicorel.

Bonneville, repped by UTA and Gordon and French, has recently appeared in ITV/Masterpiece Theater’s Downton Abbey and John Landis’ Burke and Hare.