Tim Roth Joins Gerard Depardieu's Soccer Film
The production will hit theaters in time for next year's World Cup in Brazil.
PARIS – Gerard Depardieu's untitled soccer history film has scored Tim Roth for the pivotal role of Sepp Blatter, the current president of the sport's international governing organization, FIFA.
Paris-based production shingle Leuviah Films confirmed the casting of Roth for the film that is currently shooting in Azerbaijan, France and Brazil.
Tentatively titled F2014, it chronicles the history and founding of FIFA up through the present day. Depardieu plays Jules Rimet, FIFA's longest-serving president, the founder of the World Cup and its namesake trophy.
Roth will take on the tenure of Blatter, who has served as FIFA's president since 1998. His term has been controversial, with several statements he's made about race, homosexuality and women's soccer embarrassing the organization during his 15-year reign. He's also face multiple charges of corruption and financial mismanagement of the organization, but has hinted that he will seek re-election again when his latest term expires in 2015.
A video posted on the FIFA website shows Blatter and Roth meeting and embracing, with Blatter commenting after the meeting that the two have "common qualities."
"I just realized that we have some things in common. OK, the age is different," he said, noting the 25-year gap between him and Roth. "The casting is well-done."
The untitled film's release is timed to coincide with the organization's 110th anniversary and next year's World Cup in Brazil.
In This Week's Magazine
