Benicio Del Toro Plays Lawyer In New Paul Thomas Anderson Film

Benicio Del Toro is known for playing a slew of hardened criminals, and mischievous characters, so is he ready to suit up? If Paul Thomas Anderson has anything to do with it, he will.

Both Paul Thomas Anderson and Benicio Del Toro will be departing from their comfort zones for the film Inherent Vice. Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest will be a comedy, which certainly pulls away from his 2012 film The Master.

In the comedy, Del Toro will be playing Joaquin Phoenix’s lawyer, who is faking his way as his lawyer but gives Phoenix’s character advice anyway. Inherent Vice is based on a novel by Thomas Pynchon about a pot-smoking private detective Doc Sportello (Phoenix), who investigates the case of a kidnapped girl, which it just so happens is also one of his ex-girlfriends.

So far indieWIRE is calling the film a “Venice Beach slacker mixed with Cheech & Chong.” For viewers this will be a long awaited attempt for Phoenix to try his hand at a comedy as well. That is, unless we’re counting his mockumentary I’m Still Here, which saw the star embark on a career as a rap star.

For Del Toro this is said to be a small role, but the actor is known for stealing scenes and making the best out of what he’s offered, so it looks to be a promising part for him. As for a starting date, Inherent Vice could start shooting later on in the month, with the help of Warner Bros.

Earlier in the year it was presumed that Charlize Theron would take on the role of the lead female Sasha Fay Hepworth, but so far nothing has been confirmed of that news. In addition to Benicio and Joaquin, character actor Kevin J. O’Connor, who’s a frequent collaborator with Paul Thomas Anderson has also joined the cast.

Are you excited for Paul Thomas Anderson’s comedic turn?