So it turns out Gerard Butler has a passion, and it’s not keeping his abs looking airbrushed.

It’s not that I dislike the actor, on the contrary I’m a fan but I’ve never considered him a “serious” actor, just more of a Blockbuster guy with a great accent. His star seems on the upswing but I never really thought that we’d see him in anything beyond the next big blockbuster but it looks like the Scotsman is ready to work his thespian side.

Cinematical is reporting that during an interview with a radio station, Butler announced that he has signed on to star in Coriolanus. The last of Shakespeare’s political tragedies, the film is Ralph Fiennes’ directorial debut and the talented actor will also star in the film about two men pitted against each other in the court of public opinion. I can only speculate that Butler will star as one of the leading men.

Butler described the project as one both he and Fiennes are “passionate” about and considering the star factor (the film also has Vanessa Redgrave attached)/name recognition attached to the film, I expect it may get off the ground sooner rather than later.

Am I the only one who isn’t sure about Butler’s ability to pull off a serious role? I’m more than willing to give him a chance but will fully admit that at this point, the only reason this film is getting my attention is Fiennes.