Alan Rickman to Play Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd Film

Alan Rickman will play Judge Turpin in Tim Burton’ s film version of Sweeney Todd, according to published reports. He joins previously announced cast members Johnny Depp in the title role, Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Lovett, and Sacha Baron Cohen as Pirelli. No other official casting has been announced

The film version of the Tony Award-winning Stephen Sondheim-Hugh Wheeler musical will feature a screenplay by Christopher Bond and John Logan. It is scheduled to begin shooting early next year with a late 2007 release. Paramount will distribute the film domestically for DreamWorks, and Warner Bros. is handling international territories.

Rickman received Tony Award nominations for his two Broadway appearances, the 1987 production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses and the 2002 revival of Private Lives. He is currently represented Off-Broadway as the director and co-adaptor of My Name is Rachel Corrie. His many film credits include Die Hard, Love Actually, and the Harry Potter series. He will be seen in Perfume: The Story of a Murderer which is scheduled to be released later this month.