A report in the UK’s Daily Mail claims that Sheen has signed on to the project, along with the previously announced Dakota Fanning among others, and will play Aro, the leader of an Italian vampire clan called the Volturi.
Director Chris Weitz confirmed Sheen’s casting to The Mail on Sunday and said he had “aggressively” pursued the actor. “Michael’s role is so important because he’s the head of all vampires,” he said. “Aro is, on the surface, a very gracious and friendly vampire, but beneath that he is a tremendous threat.”
Along with potentially winning the hearts of millions of Twilight fans who eluded him during his Underworld stint, Sheen will get his biggest pay cheque yet, a reported £5 million, to star in New Moon.
It should be noted that production studio Summit Entertainment hasn’t yet verified Sheen’s participation, but one thing’s for sure: You can expect to see this second adaptation in Stephenie Meyer’s book series in theatres on November 20th of this year.