When Logan Lerman and Douglas Booth were cast in Darren Aronofsky‘s biblical epic, Noah, as Noah’s (played by Russell Crowe) sons, we learned that Liam Neeson was no longer being considered for the role of the villain and also that there was a love interest role for Noah’s older son, Shem (to be played by Lerman). Now we know who will be playing as his love interest and who might be Neeson’s replacement.

According to a report from Deadline, Harry Potter star Emma Watson is now in talks to play as the unnamed love interest for Shem. As for Neeson’s replacement, X-Men Origins: Wolverine star Liev Schreiber is now being considered to fill the role. Yeah, I am just as surprised as you to hear there will be a villain in the film. But according to the report, Schreiber is the top contender for the job.

Deadline also adds that Jennifer Connelly is still in negotiations to play as Noah’s wife. However, if things don’t work out with Connelly, Variety says that Julianne Moore may take the role of Noah’s wife after she completes her work on MGM’s remake of Carrie.

Watson is setting herself up to be a fine actress. She will appear in the young adult adaptation of The Perks of Being a Wall Flower, and Sofia Coopla’s fact-based film The Bling Ring.

Paramount Pictures has scheduled Noah for a March 28, 2014 release.

[Source: Deadline, Variety]