T.J. Miller has joined the star-studded cast of Steven Spielberg’s ‘Ready Player One’.
The 34-year-old actor, who is best known for his comedic role as Erlich Bachmann in ‘Silicon Valley’, joins an impressive line-up in the sci-fi movie that already includes Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Simon Pegg, Ben Mendelsohn and Oscar-winner Mark Rylance.
Based on Ernest Cline’s best-selling novel which is set in the future, Miller will play the annoying cyber troll i-R0k.
The plot revolves around a globally-networked virtual utopia known as the Oasis – where users can lead idyllic alternate lives for free – created by Rylance’s character James Donovan Halliday.
After Halliday’s death a powerful cooperation called Online Industries – run by Nolan Sorrento who is played by Mendelsohn in the film – attempts to take over the Oasis and monetize the venture.
However, the eccentric billionaire offers up his vast fortune after his death as the prize in an elaborate treasure hunt.
Along with gamers from around the world, outcast teenager Wade Watts – played by Sheridan – joins the adventure, and quickly finds himself pitted against powerful corporate foes and other ruthless competitors who will do anything, in the oasis or the real world, to reach the treasure first.
‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl’ actress Cook will play Wade’s love interest and treasure hunt competitor, while Pegg has been cast to star as Halliday’s old business partner and protector of the Oasis Ogden Morrow.
Filming is set to kick off later this month and ‘Ready Player One’ is being produced by Spielberg via his Amblin Partners banner, along with Donald De Line, Kristie Macosko Krieger and Dan Farah.
Miller – who is married to Kate Gorney – was last seen in ‘Deadpool’ as the superhero’s reliable friend Weasel.