Last week, "Iron Man 2" star Mickey Rourke revealed in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel that he's set to star in a biopic about Mongol ruler Genghis Khan, written and directed by "Apocalypse Now" writer John Milius. MTV's Josh Horowitz learned a little more about the project when he spoke with Rourke over the weekend at the "Iron Man 2" press junket.
"It is [an epic movie]," Rourke said, "but because Milius is a really terrific writer, it's not your stereotypical blood and swords. It's almost done on a-- not quite a documentary historical background of the whole Mongol reign, but there's a lot of humor in it that you wouldn't expect."
Rourke is right. Humor is something I wouldn't expect in a movie about the life of Genghis Khan. "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" proved it's possible, but this sounds like a more accurate treatment of the ruler's life. I don't think it's the laughs that won Rourke over however. See that adorable little creature in his lap in the video? I think that's how Milius got him.
"I like the part where he has-- they use dogs in battle, these big dogs," the actor explained. "And then, on one particular battle, [Khan] didn't think they were going to be doing too good. So he said 'Leave the dogs behind.' I like that."
Mickey Rourke. Badass movie star. Dog lover.
