Anthony Hopkins is in negotiations to play the villain in the new remake of the 1942 classic Arabian Nights, directed by Chuck Russell.

According to Heat Vision, Hopkins will play Pharotu, an evil sorcerer who killed Sinbad's love, a mermaid, and is looking to amass more magic for himself.

The action-adventure was written by Russell and Barry P. Ambrose, the period epic centers on a young commander (Liam Hemsworth) who, after his king is murdered in a coup, joins forces with Sinbad, Ali Baba and the Genie from the magic lamp to rescue the queen, Scheherazade.

Production is planned for the end of summer.

Also, Inferno is planning a year-end shoot for The Grey, an action project which will star Bradley Cooper and to be directed by Joe Carnahan. The company will be in Cannes giving buyers updates on its projects and could announce additions to its slate.