Colin Farrell Could Revive His Career With Films Like ‘Miss Julie’

The actor impressed as a hard-drinking screenwriter who gets swept up into the crime world in October’s “Seven Psychopaths,” and now he’s signed on to star in “Miss Julie.”

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the actor has signed on to star opposite “Zero Dark Thirty” actress Jessica Chastain.

Based on the 1888 play by August Strindberg, “Miss Julie” tells the story of a high-class woman who finds herself drawn to a charismatic footman. Liv Ullmann is set to direct the project, which marks the first big screen adaptation of the work.

The film is one of several high-profile films the actor has in the works.

The next couple of years could prove to be a turning point in Farrell’s career. Following his breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s 2003 sci-fi drama, “Minority Report,” he was touted as Hollywood’s newest “it” boy. Yet the years that followed have been filled with more flops than hits, and the star’s hard-partying antics initially overshadowed his talent.

But in recent years, he has moved away from forgettable releases such as the bloated “Alexander” and has taken on a series of low-profile roles in artful fare such as “In Bruges” and “Crazy Heart.” He also successfully played against type as a balding coke addict in the comedy “Horrible Bosses.”  

The Dublin native is set to appear in the crime drama “Dead Man Down,” opposite Noomi Rapace and Terrance Howard.

Directed by Niels Arden Oplev, who helmed the original “Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” the film features Farrell as a hit man who is blackmailed by a crime victim (Rapace). Determined to get revenge, she seeks his help in order to take down his deadly boss.

The 36-year-old is also set to star in John Lee Hancock’s “Saving Mr. Banks.” The film, which was plucked from the infamous Hollywood Blacklist of unproduced scripts, tells the story of the 20-year struggle to adapt the novel “Mary Poppins” for the big screen. The highly anticipated drama stars Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson and Paul Giamatti.

Farrell will also appear in the upcoming fantasy “Winter’s Tale.” Based on the 1983 novel by Mark Helprin, the film stars Russell Crowe, Will Smith and Matt Bomer.  

“Dead Man Down” will hits theaters on March 8.