There might be a way to finish the film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus despite its lead actor Health Ledger's unfortunate death, said co-star Christopher Plummer as quoted by media reports Tuesday.
"Terry's (film director Terry Gillian) throwing himself into the job of trying to salvage the picture," Plummer said. "Terry was a very good friend (of Ledger's). He very (much) wants to go on with the movie, and I can very much understand why. Because he wants to dedicate it to Heath, of course."
"Terry is trying to work out at this moment how to continue on. Fortunately, because the film deals with magic, there is a way, perhaps, of turning Heath into other people," Plummer said.
Actor Heath Ledger is pictured in a scene from Brokeback Mountain in this undated publicity photograph. (photo: Xinhua/Reuters)
In the film, Ledger's character reportedly enters several magical mirrors on his journey. Each time that happens, he could theoretically emerge looking entirely different, meaning Gilliam, the role in the film, would almost certainly have to cast several actors for the same role.
There are rumors that Johnny Depp may step into Ledger's role, but the actor's rep said, "There have been no official talks, and he is currently working on Public Enemies for Michael Mann for Universal."
Ledger and Plummer left the London portion of the movie's shoot last weekend and were due to continue filming next week in Vancouver. Plummer said, "Heath was in very high spirits," though Plummer confirmed Ledger was ill and complaining about not being able to sleep.
"He was terribly likeable and obviously enormously talented and the combination was terrific. It's such a shame these things have to happen to the good ones," said Plummer.
Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan apartment last Tuesday afternoon. Authorities say the death was probably drug-related.
(Agencies via Xinhua January 30, 2008)
