Garrett Hedlund and Riz Ahmed join 'Matthew Carnahan's 'Violent Talent'

Tron: Legacy did a lot for Garrett Hedlund's career, but let's be honest, he was probably the least interesting aspect of it. I don't necessarily think he showed any charisma in Walter Salles' adaptation of On the Road, either, in a role that pretty much demands it. Ok, I really just dislike him because he's dating Kirsten Dunst. *grumble grumble*  But he's a star nonetheless, and impressed the Coen Brothers enough to be cast in their folk music film, Inside Llewyn Davis. Next up he'll headline Violent Talent, the directorial debut by State of Play screenwriter Matthew Michael Carnahan, although it may be his co-star who is the more intriguing addition.

Along with Hedlund, Carnahan has signed The Reluctant Fundamentalist's Riz Ahmed to co-star in the film about three old friends who try to build a criminal empire in a contemporary Chicago where crime may be the most honest job in town. Ahmed has proven to have all of the presence that Hedlund has lacked, earning high marks for his performance in Four Lions, Trishna, and "Fundamentalist'. So while Hedlund may be portraying the lead character, Eamon, don't be surprised of Ahmed steals the show as his buddy, Quan.  Toby Kebbell (Rocknrolla) will play the other friend, Angel, while Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street) is also in the cast.

Sounds like Carnahan is assembling a strong international group. His work will be seen next in World War Z, starring Brad Pitt.