Slater, who was last seen on the London stage in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, will play the role of film producer Buddy Ackerman, opening in the production on Oct. 16 for a 15-week season that begins previews Oct. 5. The 37-year-old Hollywood actor and star of such movies as "Heathers" and "True Romance" reportedly made a courtesy call to London's Old Vic, where he told artistic director Kevin Spacey, who played the role of Ackerman in George Huang's 1994 movie, about the production.
Further casting for the world premiere, which is adapted by screenwriter and playwright Michael Lesslie and will be directed by Wilson Milan (The Lieutenant of Inishmore), has yet to be announced.
The drama and comedy in Swimming with Sharks rests on the conflict between Ackerman and his new assistant Guy (played by Frank Whaley in the movie), who eventually turns on his boss after putting up with Ackerman's abuse in the hope of getting a break in movies.
The London production, which replaces the outgoing, long-running Stomp, will be produced by Nica Burns and Max Weitzenhoffer for Nimax Theatres, and Nick Frankfort and Tobias Round for Creative Management Productions.
"This character is a role I can really sink my teeth into," said Slater of his latest role.