Hopkins eyes villain role in "Arabian Nights"

LOS ANGELES  - Anthony Hopkins is in final negotiations to play an evil sorcerer in "Arabian Nights," an action-adventure picture starring Liam Hemsworth, the high-flying paramour of Miley Cyrus.

The period epic revolves around a young commander (Hemsworth) who, after his king is murdered in a coup, joins forces with Sinbad, Ali Baba and the Genie from the magic lamp to rescue the queen, Scheherazade. Hopkins will play Pharotu, a sorcerer who killed Sinbad's love, a mermaid, and is looking to amass more magic for himself.

An end-of-summer shoot is being eyed. Chuck Russell is directing.

Hopkins already is known for playing one of the most-feared bad guys in film, Hannibal Lecter. The actor recently wrapped a turn as Odin in Marvel's "Thor" and is starring in supernatural thriller "The Rite," shooting in Hungary.

Australian native Hemsworth and Cyrus are currently in theaters with "The Last Song."