Willem Dafoe to Play Vincent van Gogh in At Eternity’s Gate

Willem Dafoe will play iconic Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh in a new film about his life.

At Eternity’s Gate will focus on van Gough’s time in Arles and Auvers-sur-Oise, France, as well as exploring the sacrifices van Gogh made to produce his iconic masterpieces.

Helmed by Julian Schnabel, and based on a screenplay by him and Jean-Claude Carriere, the film will be shot on location.

Speaking about the production Schnabel said: “This is a film about painting and a painter and their relationship to infinity.

“It is told by a painter. It contains what I felt were essential moments in his life, this is not the official history — it's my version. One that I hope could make you closer to him.”

Dafoe will join a host of actors including Kirk Douglas, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tony Curran and Tim Roth who have all played the famous artist.

Dafoe, whose previous roles include the Green Goblin in Spider Man, is currently promoting his latest film, The Florida Project, which will make its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival this month.