Josh Hartnett and Adam Godley to Headline Rain Man in London

Josh Hartnett is set to headline a stage adaptation of the popular film Rain Man in the West End. The actor will star alongside Olivier Award-winning actor Adam Godley in the piece, adapted by Dan Gordon and directed by David Grindley. Performances are set to begin on August 28 at London's Apollo Theatre.

In Rain Man, Charlie Babbitt is a self-centered Los Angeles-based automobile dealer and hustler who is at war with his own life. Relationships are not Charlie's strong suit and love is outside of his experience. Raymond is the older brother Charlie never knew he had—an autistic savant who has been hidden away in an institution for most of his adult life. Raymond is dysfunctional in many senses but, as Charlie is soon to discover, also touched with a kind of stellar genius which Charlie harnesses to save his business. The two brothers embark on a rollercoaster journey together which shows Raymond a world beyond the hospital gates and Charlie the meaning of unconditional love. Hartnett will star as Charlie, the role created by Tom Cruise in the film, whil Godley will take on the part of his brother Raymond, which was immortalized in the movie by Dustin Hoffman.

Hartnett is best known for his work in blockbuster films, including Pearl Harbor, Black Hawk Down, 30 Days of Night, The Virgin Suicides, The Black Dahlia and Lucky Number Slevin. “It has always been my intent to work on the London stage," he said in a statement about his upcoming West End debut. "While I've had many opportunities, it was only when I read the complex and charismatic character of Charlie Babbitt that I knew the time was right. I feel very fortunate to make my London bow with such an esteemed producer and director and I'm also looking forward to working with Adam Godley, who is an extraordinary talent. Can't wait to live and work in London, a city I adore!”

Godley is best known for his Olivier-nominated work in Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick and Mouth to Mouth. His other stage work includes The Pillowman, Two Thousand Years, Paul and Private Lives, in which he appeared on Broadway and in the West End. He has been seen on screen in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Elizabeth: The Golden Age and will be seen in the upcoming X Files: I Want to Believe.

The film Rain Man, starring Cruise and Hoffman, was released in 1988 and went on to be nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning four, including Best Picture, Best Actor Hoffman, Best Director and Best Screenplay. The stage version of the film will feature scenic design by Jonathan Fenson and lighting design by Jason Taylor. It is produced by Nica Burns, Jane Walmsley, Michael Braham, Max Weitzenhoffer in association with MGM On Stage, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stobler.