"The New World" is an epic adventure set amid the encounter of European and Native American cultures following the founding of the Jamestown settlement in 1607. Inspired by the legend of John Smith and Pocahontas, acclaimed filmmaker Malick transforms this classic story into a sweeping exploration of love, loss and discovery that celebrates the birth pangs of America.
Bale will play English tobacco planter John Rolfe in the film, while Thewlis takes on the role of Smith’s rival Captain Wingfield, and Taylor appears as Selway, one of the initial English settlers. Kilcher will make her feature starring debut in the role of Pocahontas.
Bale recently landed the coveted role of Bruce Wayne/Batman in the upcoming Warner Bros. feature "Batman Begins" and can be seen starring in the upcoming thriller "The Machinist," which opens Oct. 15, 2004. He is also a veteran of such films as "American Psycho," "Shaft" and "Laurel Canyon."
English actor Thewlis has appeared in such films as "Seven Years in Tibet," "The Big Lebowski," and most recently in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." He can next be seen in the Ridley Scott-directed drama "Kingdom of Heaven" opposite Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson.
Taylor has been seen in a number of recent hit movies including "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life" and "Vanilla Sky," as well as such critically acclaimed films as "Almost Famous" and "Shine." He next appears in the highly anticipated Wes Anderson-directed film "The Life Aquatic."
Kilcher landed the coveted role of Pocahontas after producers conducted an extensive eight-month search that involved thousands of actresses. It is the feature-starring debut for the Indian actress, who is descended from the Huachipaeri and Quechua tribes of South America.
"The New World" is being produced by Sarah Green and executive produced by Bill Mechanic, Trish Hofmann, Rolf Mittweg and Mark Ordesky. The film also features an accomplished crew behind the camera including director of photography Emmanuel Lubezki ("Y Tu Mama Tambien," "Sleepy Hollow"), production designer Jack Fisk ("Badlands," "The Thin Red Line"), and costume designer Jacqueline West ("Quills").
The New World is scheduled for a November 2005 release.
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