While many of the stars of 2005’s Sin City are set to reprise their roles in the sequel, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, sadly one who cannot is Michael Clarke Duncan. He had been set to return as Manute, but tragically passed away in September at the age of 54.
Now THR reports that Dennis Haysbert is in talks to step into the role. Director Robert Rodriguez commented, “Manute is a character that has been part of the heart of the Sin City tales, and the late Michael Clarke Duncan beautifully established that role onscreen. We could not tell the story of Sin City: A Dame to Kill For without Manute and are thrilled to welcome Dennis Haysbert to the cast.”
In the original Sin City, Manute kidnaps Gail (Rosario Dawson), prompting Dwight (Clive Owen) to trade Gail for the head of Jackie Boy (Benicio Del Toro). The cinematic sequel is based on the first of Frank Miller’s graphic novels, where the hulking bodyguard/chauffeur works for the femme fatale Ava Lord’s husband, Damien Lord.
Mickey Rourke (Marv), Jessica Alba (Nancy), Rosario Dawson (Gail), and Jaime King (Goldie) are all returning for the sequel, with Jamie Chung replacing Devon Aoki as Miho. Production is currently on a break in Austin before resuming full-time in January.