Matt Smith to play Charles Manson in Charlie Says

The popular actor has a new role after playing Prince Philip in The Crown
Transformed: Matt Smith has reportedly been cast as cult leader Charles Manson
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Turner
Natasha Sporn6 February 2018

Matt Smith’s next role will see him play cult leader Charles Manson in Charlie Says.

The former Doctor Who star will transform into Manson in the upcoming film, alongside fellow Brit Suki Waterhouse, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Charlie Says will focus on the lives of the three women sentenced to death alongside leader Manson for murders, set to start shooting in Los Angeles in the spring.

The film will reportedly follow the women’s journeys after being spared the death penalty as they face the reality and horror of their crimes, taught by student Karlene Faith – played by Merritt Wever.

Charlie Says: Suki Waterhouse is also a part of the upcoming film
PA Wire/PA Images

Manson, who directed his followers to murder, died last November after nearly 50 years in prison.

The film has been written by director Mary Harron’s American Psycho writing partner Guinevere Turner and based on material from best-seller The Family by Ed Sanders and The Long Prison Journey of Leslie Van Houten, one of the women, written by Faith herself.

Speaking about the film, Harron said: “Guinevere Turner’s script brings a fresh and unique perspective to the infamous story of the Manson murders.

She added: “We have now found the perfect cast to bring it to life.”

Smith, 35, recently left Netflix hit The Crown where he played Prince Philip after two series alongside Claire Foy, who played Queen Elizabeth II.

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