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FIRST LOOK

First Look: Jake Gyllenhaal in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time!

by Alex Billington
August 11, 2008
Source: Just Jared

Paparazzi from Just Jared have brought us our very first look at Jake Gyllenhaal as Prince Dastan in Disney's upcoming Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. The photo comes from the set of the film currently shooting in Morocco with big tough Gyllenhaal holding hands with the sweet Reese Witherspoon. If you had any doubts about this guy filling the role, this will finally put all those to rest! Not only does he look the part, but he is ripped! If anything, this photos makes me so much more excited to finally see one of my favorite video games come to life on the big screen. This truly will be the first time in Hollywood that we'll see a good video game adaptation! Check out the full photo of Gyllenhaal below.

We also recently announced that Prince of Persia was pushed back from next summer to May of 2010. Some of the speculation I've heard focused on the fact that the production had hit some snags, but it's obvious that this is moving ahead at full steam and they'll finish with more than a year of time for post-production. The initial reaction to Gyllenhaal seemed to be quite negative. Has this photo changed your mind?

Jake Gyllenhaal in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Prince of Persia is being produced by powerhouse producer Jerry Bruckheimer, directed by Donnie Brasco, Mona Lisa Smile and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire helmer Mike Newell, and written by both Jeffrey Nachmanoff (The Day After Tomorrow) and one of the game's creators, Jordan Mechner. Prince of Persia stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley, and Alfred Molina. Disney has pushed the release date back all the way to May 28th, 2010.

Filed under First Look, Hype, Opinions

From around the web:

Josh

nice
Tom

not sure his hair could look any more fake.
Blue Silver

Looks like a defector from 'Pineapple Express'. I still don't know though. This reminds me of 10,000 B.C.
CSpuppydog

Oh very sexy
Icarus

Geez, this is the same scrawny kid from Donnie Darko? He looks freakin bad ass. I'm a bit more interested now, I'm sure these pictures will make quite a few women VERY interested as well.
Melissa

I'm not so sure. Still.
Garrett.king

I'm with you on that one Icarus (@ 5) I was getting increasingly more interested in the project, then heard that Gyllenhaal was on board. It was striking and shocking at first, but now I can actually see it and I think it should be good. Can't wait for the trailer.
Diego

"This truly will be the first time in Hollywood that we'll see a good video game adaptation!" I suppose you're right, but only 'cause Hollywood refuses to acknowledge Uwe Boll's genius!
Cameron

He doesn't look persian at all.
matt

wait so since its disney will this be rated "G"??? ... b /c I LOVE the video game I think it should be a dark mysterious movie ...at least PG-13
Tim

Jake's beard doesn't look happy, but at least she brought paparazzi with her. LOL!
alyn brodsky

Looks sike an odiferous caveman. I thibk this is one movie I'll not await with baited beath. Witherspoos is much moe attractive. A perfect pair. If they breed, I'd like pick of the litter.
avery

I am a fan of Prince of Persia, I had faith in the movie until I saw this. Looks more like a direct to video version of Brokeback Mountain 2 or something. He is a good actor and looks rip but to me he just doesn't feel right. But, can be proven wrong just as Heath Ledger did.
Mama Gaea

I'm sorry, but all I can think about is BubbleBoy. Yes, he is totally ripped and my jaw dropped. But I have such a hard time attaching his face to that body.
dom

OMG how has the small little fella filled out so quickly? What on earth do they give these guys? Are they all happy and willing to pump up on steroids cos I know u cant get that big so quick naturally. It takes years to build muscle mass.
Brandon

He actually kinda looks the part. Still unsure about this one.
Keith

Thank god the success of this movie won't be decided on Gyllenhaal's hairpiece. hopefully
Xerxex

nice might be good after all.
janet

I'm starting to have misgivings about this after seeing this picture and knowing that they pushed the release back. *shakes head* I don't think this looks promising.
http://tnrlive.com Viper

He looks ridiculous to me.
Lauren

This looks terrible. Thanks, Disney.
SmartGuy

I thought to be a Persian prince you had to look a bit more I don't know, Persian? This could be a western for all I know. Bad form Bruck, bad form.
andrew

can't wait to see the teaser/trailer, I'll reserve my comments until then.
Bobby

That looks really bizarre. I like Gylenhaal and all, but he looks really weird as a huge buff guy. Does that mean the lisp is gone??
Nettle

He needs a tan, pronto. What's the point of him being the Prince of Persia if he has a farmer's tan?
http://movieguyreviews4u.blogspot.com Ryan

Hair looks REAL fake.
iDavid

So, in all of Los Angeles they could NOT find a Persian actor to play this role? There are far better looking persian guys than Jake.
http://www.skonmovies.com/ Sean Kelly

I don't like the look. He looks less like a Persian prince and more like a surfer dude.
Timmy

Nope, he might have beefed up for the role, but his face and voice still resemble a 12 year old, can't get Bubble Boy out of my head.
Reverend

I've been a fan of Prince of Persia since the original 2D incarnations, and I love the newer games. I think Jake Gyllenhaal is a good actor, and this should be great.
Hector N

I hope Jake will give the character more depth like jhonny depp did with Sparrow. I don't care about the color of the skin, that would make me racist. Color of the skin is not enough to ruin a movie for me. You guys should give him a break!
Chris

#11: Disney has done several non-G rated films. Here's an example: the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy (which is also from Jerry Bruckheimer). Or the National Treasure films (also from Bruckheimer)? Personally, I think he looks awful. Compare his look to that of the video game for cring out loud. I've got an itching feeling this will suck big time.
Clark

max payne will be cooler
sleepykid

I really liked the past trilogy of games, but to get it right they're going to have to get all the wall running/jumping/swinging absolutely spot-on, because if it looks fake it'll kill the film flat. Doubtless it'll look gorgeous though, if they've taken their cues from the games. Not sure about Jake too. Very well muscled, but I can't quite see him doing the stunts. I'd imagined a screen POP would be physically strong but a bit more sinewy, like an athlete or acrobat.
http://www.youtube.com/snears Nick Sears

So far though, wardrobe production is doing their job. I think I need to hear him speak with an accent. I bet there's a shitload of wirework in the film. Not to mention Disney will find a way to kill this movie.
JL

I've seen Disney's name attached to No Country for Old Men, and that was rated 'R'.
JL

Uwe Boll sucks.
http://www.10tu.com/forums dRailer

wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig. PS - Agreed with sleepykid on body-type.
Mr. Pockets

I like Gyllenhaal and everything, but the guy in Sands of Time was way better looking
Fisherman

Piece of crap. It looks like garbage. Why would they get an american to play the prince of persia. They should've went with a no name. But maybe it'll be better than 10,000 bc. Just maybe.
JL

They could have gone with the guy who plays Suresh on Heroes. I don't think he's persian, but a better match than Gyllenhaal.
http://www.skonmovies.com/ Sean Kelly

JL, No Country for Old Men was released by Miramax, which is owned by Disney. The ratings talk is about films released by Walt Disney Pictures (i.e. the films with the castle logo) If I remember correctly, Pirates of the Caribbean was the first Disney film to get a PG-13 rating and that was mostly due to Bruckheimer campaigning for the higher rating.
Atsuko

*sings* Lothaaaar of the Hill Peopleeeee~
http://www.bartleby.com/61/66/C0726650.html Crapola

The pinky from Persia, should have got this dude to play him. I imagine this film will be okay, but based completely in fantasy land where all Persians (at least those in important roles) are decidedly whiter than they would usually be.
Reks

oooh... Jake is hot, but really not sure about the wig! Doesn't this film seem a bit too 'mainstream' for Jake?....
DNA

GET OFF HIM SKANK!
vu

Being a hardcore gamer. Umm. Nah.
Ray

Brokeback: Sands of Quer!
Hyacinth

Um. No. And #41, I totally agree. Suresh should totally have been the one in this part. Jake Gyllenhaal as the Prince of PERSIA is just sad.
Malachi

Looks like a really bad cosplay...
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=137086138 Shero

As # 23 said .... it is better to wait until the Trailer come out ...then we can give better opinions ...for now I can just say he looks good ... !
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=137086138 Shero

Let's we don't forget when Heath Ledger first announced to get the role of Joker ...there was a lot of people in other sites against him ...but now I don't hear anyone of them saying a word ...that is why let's we don't be fast in such matters anymore ... let's we wait and see then ... Attack Game is game ... Movie is movie.... there is no way to make is 100% look the same ... ( Do not take my opinion as comparing Jake with Ledger ...even Jake is a good actor but of course I know that Heath was in higher level ... )
K

Come on people! Why are sooo many people trashing this FIRST pic of Jake as the POP. Just like 52 said, Ledger got trashed when it was first announced he would be the Joker and looked how that turned out. Jake's an excellent actor about time he's doing something a little more hardcore. I look forward to seeing some more pics, how they are going to run with this and eventually (fingers crossed) a kick ass trailer/movie. Also, it not out for almost another 20 months, relax people, this is just the beginning, I'm sure it will keep getting better and better. We go through this everytime, it's really very aggrivating. Peace out playa haters!
Shige

Lets wait till the movie comes out and judge. Although any game based movie is an automatic -10 scale start.
http://yahoo.com IcyOne

HOOOOLLLLYYYY SHHHHIIIITTTT
http://yahoo.com IcyOne

# 16 UR kinda wrong about that because my cousin who is 15 got those kind of muscle resuts in 4 months without roids because he wouldn't know were to get them and get the SHIT kicked out of him by his family if he did use them
Obi Nneji

#53 People trashed him at first announcement...but when they first SAW him as th joker every1 was like holy %^&*. Jake looks so fake....just plain bad casting. Can they at least get some1 that looks close to arabic not just a tan white guy?
poopeepantalones

So is that a sock stuffed down his pants or does he still get a boner every time Kirsten Dunst holds his hand? Both maybe.
lanasback22

OMG HE IS HOTT!!!
Dontjudgebeforeyouveseen

Like any other movie I will wait to see it before I judge it completely. I LOVE Prince of Persia and yes I'm not a huge Jake fan but I think he could pull it off. I mean Heath was in question about being the Joker at first and he Kicked ASS!! With Jerry at the helm I won't be too bad. I for one am excited about the Next Generation Prince of Persia game coming out WOOT!! Also, that's not Kirsten Dunst. That's Reese Witherspoon. Don't bother responding to my post cuz I won't care what others have to say about my opinion. That's why it's an opinion. ROCK ON JAKE!!
xcrazytrainx

If I recall the original PoP game like NES and all that the Prince character was pretty much white. He had the outfit but white skin. It's all about CGI. In fact the new PoP game coming out the Prince looks more Persian than the Sands of Time. He also in my opinion became decreasingly less Persian looking from Warrior Within and Two Thrones. And yes I don't know what a Persian accent sounds like but the movies in the game the voice over didn't sound completely Persian in my opinion. I do agree the wig could use some work however this is just an early photo I think waiting til the first trailer or whatever would be a little more respectful. But let's face it most people who do reviews like this aren't respectful. And with that I hope this Movie Kicks Ass! Just so all the bad reviews are proven wrong... Don't bother replying cause I don't give a flying rats ass about what negative things you have to say.
Tommy

Jake's hair looks awful. Jake's fake girlfriend looks awful too.
Big Boy

"So is that a sock stuffed down his pants or does he still get a boner every time Kirsten Dunst holds his hand?" LOL! Jake is still gay and he most certainly isn't f*cking Reese Witherspoon.
Raunak

hey guys since the costume looks more WARRIOR WITHIN than SANDS OF TIME i did some photoshop work on it and i kinda like the results... chk it out http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s15/raunak2285/prince.jpg
Raunak

whoops thats the wrong image wid the small sword chk out this one: http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s15/raunak2285/popposter.jpg
Ameer

What the F%^CK!?!? He looks sooo SHITE!!! This is the least looking Persian Guy to play a Persian guy ever! The prince of persia is supposed to be slick and cool...THIS IS NOT SLICK AND COOL!! This movie is going to be soooo crap...EXTREMELY CRAP! I heard they were making a Prince of Persia movie and I was like yay! and then they cast him?!? WTF? In all of the USA they couldn't find a single Persian actor? This is just stupid...The only reason he's got the part is for the poster girls...This is gonna suck...It looks like it will be a direct to DVD release or something...It's gonna be like the Scorpion King...I guarantee that!
natasha s

dude. wtf. jake glyhshsbsuwnsdj lol. idk man...he has a baby face...and his voice...he better pull some heath ledger type action and make his voice raspier or something. i think they could have made a better selection...but who knows. maybe he killed it. we'll see. i'm not too excited for this. but what i AM excited for is max payne with wahlberg!
natasha s

and ameer, i agree bro.
vipin trisal

wow...it looks good and he looks like the prince from the warrior within....correct me if i wam wrong
Prince Fucked

No you are right!! He looks like Warrior Within guy!! Don't get me wrong, i am one of the most Hardcore fans of Prince of persia and have played all the games starting from 1989 to 2005!! But i don't have so much high hopes from this movie as you can see from my name!!
Dahaka the beast

Hey, they gave prince a name.Haaa...
SilentShadoW

i am middle eastre and i think that this man ..... Jake........!!!!!!!!!!!! he sux 4 this one man nooooo way he can be the prince f persia u know i am a big fan of this game i finished it all sands of time.......warior within.......the 2 thrones...and i loove it soo much as a game it is my favoirite game ever they cant make this cute blonde here do the role nooooooooooooooooooooooooo way he is soooooooo white 4 it no fance i am white 2 but he is not the suitable face and he must have a face of a serious man i mean this one looks soo innocent like a child naaaaah he can make romance it is ok but not this one so sa'eed jarrah might be good 4 this role but there is more people who can do it better arab actors who acts arab movies or tv shows maybe they didnt act in hollywood yet but this dont mean the wont love to or they cant do it it is just that they didnt have the chance so i recommend that the director starts to thin seriously its time 4 him 2 cut the craaap thnx
Dipendra

He looks good, But not for the roll... It's all politics... They wont' cast dark man to play the part? What a crap.... Maybe they are not confident and want a known face to support their screenplay.
Jia

God, they're turning him into the next Brad Pitt. I expected better things from him. He should stick to playing sensitive Jewish guys like himself.
Katie

This looks terrible, and WTF with the wig.
Milhouse

I've heard that they are even considering making it a trilogy. If they choose to do so, then they need a different prince. This... guy they chose, may make a good for the first movie. But as we see in the games, the prince changes as his experience, knowledge about the sands (and the Dahaka chasing him of course) and combat skills grows. Have they come out with a trailer, or a date for the movie yet??
Jordyjordy

Jake Gyllenhaal is too much man for anyone to have it. I heard he was borne by two mothers, being too much baby for just one. When he was born he burst out of their uteri like Alien and didn't give a FUCK. He saved that for viking mansex with Heath Ledger, and last time I checked, that guy was dead. Connection? You decide.
http://www.parkour.pe Finrandi

Seems like this movie's gonna kick ass, David Belle already confirmed in his blog that he's going to be the stunt coordinator for the parkour sequences... IT'S GONNA BE FUCKING AWESOME!! <3
http://www.hotmail.com Michelle Lauer

I was there where they filmed in "North Africa". They should've made it better, and some where else instead of that location.
Jonathan

WTF Are All Youh Guy"s Bombiing On Jake For Am ii The Only One Who Thiink He Actually Looks Good I Mean Yeah The Wigg iis A Little Bad But Thiis Moviie"s Gunna Be Badd Ass!! And Have None Of Youh Played The Recent Priince Of Persia That Came Out On The 360 & Ps3 Sounds Nothing Like a Persian Sounds Lyke An American Soo They Piicked The Riight Guy For Tha Moviie
Kat

This looks stupid... I am a big fan of the video games and was kinda interest in the movie until I saw that Jake was going to play Dastan... I don't mind Jake as an actor but he isn't a Dastan. Not by looks nor attitude. Probably won't watch this mainstream Disney movie, have to keep my faith in the games.
ryan

i was so excited abt dis film bt now im not , jake looks so gay in long hair . i wanted tom cruise to play dis role , he surely would have looked like a prince
http://chocoluver18@yahoo.com des

Jake - i like, love , awesome character as bubbly easy going. for me he is perfect for this char, i love bubbly prince !!!!! i dont like old kind of prince serious, so epic... jake char is humble, energetic, positive, a char with full spirit.. but ppl expect a prince like old same boring char. i rather not watch old same stuff char.. the movie has several killing scene then a balance somethings inspiring char like jake and his lover came out so beautiful, thats why this movie is success .. and good for children to watch!!!!! family movie!!! pls appreciate the movie.. be humble you would understand the beauty of his char.
IcyOne

Ummmm yea no thats the whole point of the Prince of Persia he's not kind he's not friendly. the only time that the prince had a glimps of inocense was the Sands of Time game. After that no more this movie just goes to show that J.R.R. Tolken was right about Disney. They take everything and ruin it. They games are about survival i mean come on he's a ruthless general with endless hords of sand creatures hunting after him If people don't like the way that it was (Dark & Bloody) then why play the game stop tryin to family fun everything up and just stay on your side of the fence.
Lila_omad

i love persia