In a calculated bid to leave behind the world of teen vampire romance without jeopardizing future invitations to Comic Con, actor Paul Wesley—that brooding countenance not named Ian Somerhalder on The Vampire Diaries—will now explore the realms of science-fiction with the new film Convergence. Billed as an ensemble piece that is a cross between The Matrix and Fight Club, Convergence seems to be missing only an element of American Beauty in order to appeal exclusively to people from the year 1999.
Convergence will revolve around a grossly underrepresented group in entertaiment these days—underground biotech engineers, led by a certain hunky MIT prodigy with mysteriously thick hair. Wesley is set to take on a darker, more edgy role, playing an antagonistic genius who pushes the boundaries of science and humanity. Look for the film to premiere sometime next year, surely followed by a deluge of biotech engineering fan fiction.
Wesley will not only star in the vehicle but produce as well, with the financing help of U.S.-Chinese production company Crimson Forest Entertainment. Crimson Forest’s involvement is another sign of the relatively new trend of Chinese co-productions in Hollywood. Iron Man 3, X-Men: Days Of Future Past, and Transformers: Age Of Extinction all represent recent films that have been tailored from early stages to ensure maximum return on investment in the Chinese market through the strategic inclusion of Chinese actors or locales. Convergence is set to feature both of these hallmarks, with filming being split between Atlanta and Shanghai with an international cast.