Rami Malek and Charlie Hunnam hatch a plan for one of history’s greatest prison breaks in an exclusive new clip from Papillon.
Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) plays Henri “Papillon” Charrière, a petty thief who is sent to the notorious penal colony on Devil’s Island after being framed for murder.
The role was famously played by Steve McQueen in the 1973 movie version of Papillon.
On a ship bound for South America, Papillon forges an alliance with timid currency forger Louis Dega, who was sentenced to life for producing counterfeit bonds.
There, Papillon approaches him about his daring plan: he will protect Dega and a stash of money he has hidden if Dega will bankroll Papillon’s escape.
Dega, last played by Dustin Hoffman, is now played by Rami Malek, who will star as Freddie Mercury in the upcoming biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.
“You got a lot of eyes on you. I can keep you safe,” Papillon tells him in the clip. “All I need is enough money for your escape. It won’t be cheap, but you’ll be safe.”
“Said the scorpion to the frog,” Dega retorts.
“We’re all scorpions in here, pal,” Papillon says.
Papillon is based on on two autobiographies written by Henri “Papillon” Charrière himself. (Spoiler alert: he escaped!)
The books were the basis of the 1973 movie version of Papillon, which starred McQueen and Hoffman.
The new adaption is directed by Michael Noer (R, Northwest) and is slated to hit theaters on August 24.