Movies
Persian prince lobbies for 'Sands of Time' role
Published Saturday, Mar 29 2008, 08:58 GMT | By Simon Reynolds
Persian prince David Zandi is lobbying to get the lead role in an expensive Disney blockbuster.
Zandi, an ancestor of the Zand dynasty, hopes to beat off competition from Orlando Bloom, Zac Efron and James McAvoy to secure the lead role in Mike Newell's Prince of Persia: Sands of Time.
Hollywood unknown Zandi, who appeared uncredited in Men in Black II, claims he is the fans' favourite for the role, citing market research analysis from 17 million movie fans.
Zandi insists that he didn't start the poll, despite four of the six question relating to him. One question asks: "If Disney hires David Zandi... what should he be paid as compensation?"
The 29-year-old said: "It would be like playing myself. It would be an opportunity to play myself because of my ancestry."
The actor added that he wouldn't campaign for the part but would accept it if an offer came his way.
"I will accept the role from Jerry Bruckheimer (the film's producer) when he decides to meet the demands of the fans. I just want to give the fans what they want."
A Disney representative denied Zandi was in contention for the part, saying: "There is absolutely no truth to the rumour that Zandi is being considered. The speculation is self-created."
Zandi, an ancestor of the Zand dynasty, hopes to beat off competition from Orlando Bloom, Zac Efron and James McAvoy to secure the lead role in Mike Newell's Prince of Persia: Sands of Time.
Hollywood unknown Zandi, who appeared uncredited in Men in Black II, claims he is the fans' favourite for the role, citing market research analysis from 17 million movie fans.
Zandi insists that he didn't start the poll, despite four of the six question relating to him. One question asks: "If Disney hires David Zandi... what should he be paid as compensation?"
The 29-year-old said: "It would be like playing myself. It would be an opportunity to play myself because of my ancestry."
The actor added that he wouldn't campaign for the part but would accept it if an offer came his way.
"I will accept the role from Jerry Bruckheimer (the film's producer) when he decides to meet the demands of the fans. I just want to give the fans what they want."
A Disney representative denied Zandi was in contention for the part, saying: "There is absolutely no truth to the rumour that Zandi is being considered. The speculation is self-created."
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