Michael Sheen to play George Mallory in biopic ‘In High Places’

Michael Sheen has bagged the role to play George Mallory in the biopic about the legendary mountaineer. The film will tell the story of the disastrous expedition to Mount Everest in 1924, which took the life of Mallory. It is said that the mountaineer had reached the summit and died during the decent. His body was found in 1999.

Writer and director James McEachen described the biopic as "an epic story about the uncompromising nature of character and the sometimes overwhelming power of dreams". The movie also features Kelly Macdonald and Andrew Scott, who is best known for portraying the role of Moriarty in BBC’s television series Sherlock. Filming for the project is expected to start later this year.

"I have been fascinated by George Mallory for as long as I can remember. That led directly to my own Himalayan climbs in the 90s, including leading an expedition to 27,766 foot Makalu in 1992”, the director added. McEachen also said that he has great respect for the courage and bravery shown by Mallory and his companions to take on such an expedition. And that his own experiences as a climber have tested him to the limit.

Source: walesonline.co.uk