One of sci-fi cinema’s most notorious villainous actors and a thespian so versatile he is nicknamed “The Human Chameleon,” Vincent D’Onofrio has signed on to play the bad guy in Colin Trevorrow’s Jurassic World. As an antagonist, D’Onofrio is probably best known for dark turns in Full Metal Jacket, Men in Black and The Cell. He has spent much of the 21st century working on Law and Order: Criminal Intent and Jurassic World will be his first major role in a mainstream film since the sci-fi flop Imposter in 2001.
A graduate of the Actors’ Studio, D’Onofrio is a method actor and should bring an intensity and range to Jurassic World that few others of his generation could pull off. It will also be nice to see him in what is nearly guaranteed to be a massive hit worldwide. Whether or not his villainous role will see a demise as disturbing and powerful as the climactic scene in Full Metal Jacket remains to be seen. But if scribes Derek Connolly (Safety Not Guaranteed) and Trevorrow can come up with something half as menacing as that scene, we’re in for a strong performance.
Also joining a cast that includes Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard and Nick Robinson is Indian actor Irrfan Khan, best known for his roles in the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire and Life of Pi. The news come on a notable date for Khan, as the critically acclaimed romantic drama The Lunchbox, which he stars in, gets a limited release in the United States today. Unfortunately, little is known about the parts for either D’Onofrio or Khan at this time, as plot details remain under wraps.
Jurassic World will begin shooting early this year for a June 12, 2015 release.