Oscar nominee Richard Jenkins and Aaron Eckhart appear set to take the strange trip that is Hunter S. Thompson’s Rum Diary — alongside Johnny Depp.
In the adaptation of the late Gonzo writer’s novel, Depp — a longtime friend of Thompson’s — will play an American journalist who moves from New York to work for a small newspaper in Puerto Rico.
Eckhart, if his deal is finalized, would play Sanderson, who along with Depp’s Paul Kemp is vying for the affection of Chenault, played by rising actress Amber Heard (Pineapple Express).
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Jenkins has already signed on the dotted line and will star as Lotterman, the man who oversees the rundown newspaper where Kemp works.
Jenkins was nominated last month for his first Academy Award nomination for his role in The Visitor. Eckhart was most recently seen as Harvey Dent/Two-Face in the summer blockbuster The Dark Knight.
Depp, meanwhile, hasn’t appeared onscreen since 2007’s Sweeney Todd but will be back in a big way this summer as John Dillinger in Public Enemies. The actor is also coproducing Rum, which was adapted and will be directed by veteran actor/director Bruce Robinson.
