Sharlto Copley Offered 'Oldboy' Villain Role

There have been many people up for the role of the villain in Spike Lee's upcoming remake of "Oldboy." First Colin Firth and then Clive Owen were offered the part, but they both ultimately turned it down. We've speculated a lot about who we think would be right for the part, but it turns out Lee has someone even better in mind: Sharlto Copley.

Variety is reporting that the "District 9" star is the latest actor to be offered the role in the film. It seems like a great pairing, and we're intrigued by the idea of Copley facing off against Josh Brolin on the big screen. But if we've learned anything about the casting process for "Oldboy" it's that we shouldn't get our hopes up until news is confirmed.

The film follows a man (Brolin) who is kidnapped and held in a private prison for 15 years before being released and contacted by the man who imprisoned him (Copley). He then goes on a quest of vengeance to find out the reason for his imprisonment and seek revenge on the people who ruined his life.

Brolin has been cast in the lead part since October, but his press commitments to "Men in Black 3" caused the production on "Oldboy" to be delayed. That's likely why it's taken so long for Lee to nail down an actor to play his villain. The film isn't slated to start shooting until late summer/early fall so there's still time to find a baddie—or to confirm Copley for the role.

But that's not the only part Lee has had trouble casting. Before Elizabeth Olsen was offered the role of the lead female in the project, it had been given to Rooney Mara and then Mia Wasikowska. Olsen will play a caseworker helping to investigate Brolin's character's past.

Are you looking forward to Lee's take on "Oldboy"? Let us know in the comments section below or on Twitter!