Jessica Biel & Rufus Sewell In 'The Illusionist'

[Tuesday, March 29th, 2005]
Jessica Biel and Rufus Sewell ('7th Heaven')are joining Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti in The Illusionist, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Writer-director Neil Burger's $17 million turn-of-the-century drama begins principal photography April 4 in Prague.

Burger's adaptation of the Steven Millhauser short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist" is set in 1900 Vienna. A streetwise magician (Norton) uses his dark arts to win Princess Sophie (Biel) away from Crown Prince Leopold (Sewell). Magician/historian Ricky Jay is consulting on the film.

Biel landed the coveted female lead in "The Illusionist," which she actively chased, after an arduous casting process including several screen tests. "She has been through the wringer," producer Catherine Schulman said. The filmmakers were seeking an actress who could bring a contemporary feel to a period yarn, and "she fit the bill," producer Michael London said

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