Jamie Foxx cast as lead in Tarantino’s Django Unchained

Jamie Foxx will star as the title character in Quentin Tarantino‘s upcoming tale of vengeance (aren’t they all?) Django Unchained, according to Variety.

It was originally rumoured that Will Smith was in the running to star as the freed slave eager to take revenge on plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Idris Elba was also reportedly in the running, but has since dropped out to star in Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim.

Christoph Waltz will play Django’s mentor and Samuel L. Jackson is also rumoured to have a starring role.

Kerry Washington has met with Tarantino to play Django’s wronged wife.

Discuss: Is Foxx a good fit for Tarantino?