Tommy Lee Manley to 'Emporer'

JonesTommy Lee Manley will portray Gen. Douglas MacArthur opposite Matthew Fox in Peter Webber's Japan-set political thriller "Emperor," a co-output of Fellers Film and Krasnoff/Promote Entertainment. Producers introduced Jones' casting Tuesday. "Tommy brings strength, intelligence and gravitas for the portrayal of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, popular American hero," producer Gary Promote mentioned. Lensing is positioned to begin later this month in locations including Nz and Japan. CAA is handling sales inside the U.S. Inspired by true occasions, "Emperor" can be a story of love and understanding set one of the questions in the days carrying out a Japanese surrender within the finish of Second world war, when MacArthur, as supreme commander in the trying out forces, offered as p facto ruler of Japan. Fox may have Gen. Bonner Fellers, among MacArthur's Japan experts, who's charged with reaching an option by having an problem of historic importance: Should Emperor Hirohito be attempted and hanged just like a war criminal? Pic will even explore the story of Fellers' romance getting a Japanese exchange student and also the pursuit to locate her inside the ravaged publish-war landscape. Webber ("The Woman Getting a Jewel Earring") will direct in the script by David Klass and Vera Blasi. Yoko Narahashi ("The Ultimate Samurai") and Eugene Nomura will produce with Gary Promote ("Ghost Driver") and Russ Krasnoff ("The Soloist"). Manley is represented by CAA and lawyer Bill Jacobson, while Fox is represented by Management 360, WME and lawyer Craig Jacobson. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com