Russell Brand looking to play real-life swordsman, as opposed to naughty metaphorical one

Leery of becoming typecast as “that drunk British guy in his underwear” after Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him To The Greek, and the upcoming Arthur, Russell Brand has begun making overtures toward taking on some less obvious roles—beginning with Julie Taymor’s version of Shakespeare’s The Tempest opposite Helen Mirren (who, perhaps symbolically, stole Brand’s underpants as a parting gift). Now he’s said to be interested in playing real-life swashbuckler John Hawkwood, the mercenary English swordsman who was paid to captain various armies during the 14th-century wars in Italy, often shifting his allegiances for his own benefit. The film is being developed as an action-comedy at Brand’s behest, who will also act as producer. Is there such a thing as V-neck chainmail? Looks like we’re going to find out.