Gambon and Sewell join 'Amazing Grace'

Two fine British thesps join the cast of Michael Apted's anti-slavery drama.

Nov 24 2005

Michael Gambon and Rufus Sewell have joined the cast of 'Amazing Grace', which began principal photography in the UK this week.

Directed by Michael Apted ('The World is Not Enough') and written by Steven Knight ('Dirty Pretty Things'), the film tells the tale of William Wilberforce, an 18th century MP who navigated the complicated world of backroom politics to end slavery in the British Empire.

Ioan Gruffudd ('Fantastic Four') plays Wilberforce, while Romola Garai ('Vanity Fair') has been cast as his wife Barbara Spooner and Albert Finney ('Big Fish') will play his friend, confidant and the inspiration for his actions, John Newton.

'Amazing Grace' also features musician Youssou N’Dour in his acting debut, playing Olaudah Equiano, an African slave who bought his own freedom, moved to London and went on to became a leading anti-slavery figure.