Tommy Lee Johnson to 'Emporer'

JonesTommy Lee Johnson will portray Gen. Douglas MacArthur opposite Matthew Fox in Peter Webber's Japan-set political thriller "Emperor," a co-manufacture of Fellers Film and Krasnoff/Promote Entertainment. Producers introduced Jones' casting Tuesday. "Tommy brings strength, intelligence and gravitas towards the portrayal of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, popular American hero," producer Gary Promote stated. Lensing is placed to start later this month in locations including Nz and Japan. CAA is handling sales within the U.S. Inspired by true occasions, "Emperor" is really a story of affection and understanding set among the questions from the days following a Japanese surrender in the finish of World war 2, when MacArthur, as supreme commander from the taking up forces, offered as p facto ruler of Japan. Fox will have Gen. Bonner Fellers, among MacArthur's Japan experts, who's billed with reaching a choice with an problem of historic importance: Should Emperor Hirohito be attempted and hanged like a war criminal? Pic will also explore the storyline of Fellers' romance having a Japanese exchange student and the mission to locate her within the ravaged publish-war landscape. Webber ("The Lady Having a Gem Earring") will direct from the script by David Klass and Vera Blasi. Yoko Narahashi ("The Final Samurai") and Eugene Nomura will produce with Gary Promote ("Ghost Driver") and Russ Krasnoff ("The Soloist"). Johnson is symbolized by CAA and lawyer Bill Jacobson, while Fox is symbolized by Management 360, WME and lawyer Craig Jacobson. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com