Baker tries on DreamWorks' 'Ring 2

From: Hollywoodr Reporter
Date:April 14, 2004
By Chris Gardner

Simon Baker has circled his way into "The Ring 2" for DreamWorks and helmer Hideo Nakata.

Shooting starts in mid-May on the sequel, with Baker set to play the male lead opposite Naomi Watts in the ongoing tale of a mysterious videotape that proves fatal to viewers.

Although it will be the first time Baker and Watts have worked together, the two have been friends for years -- both call Australia home and share the same manager, Untitled Entertainment's Jason Weinberg. Baker's wife, Rebecca Rigg, also is best friends with Watts.

However, sources close to the project said that Baker's friendship with Watts wasn't a factor in his casting. He was required to audition for the role, and it was his reading opposite Watts that won him the part.

DreamWorks co-heads Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald are producing with production executive Mark Sourian overseeing at the studio. Ehren Kruger wrote the script.

Baker is repped by Endeavor, Weinberg and the law firm Hansen, Jacobsen, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren & Sloan. The Golden Globe-nominated star of CBS' "The Guardian" has been seen onscreen in "L.A. Confidential," "The Affair of the Necklace," "Ride With the Devil" and "Red Planet." He also starred in the 2004 Sundance Film Festival selection "Book of Love" opposite Gregory Smith and Frances O'Connor.