The trades today have confirmed what Latino Review has been saying for a month: Jake Gyllenhaal is the Prince of Persia. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not yet been reached for comment but expect major political implications. Not since the King Ralph ordeal in the early 90's has there been as unlikely an selection with regard to international politics.

Oh, wait. This is for the big-budget Jerry Bruckheimer video game adaptation which Disney hopes will spin off into the next "Pirates" franchise.

Gyllenhaal will play Dastan, a young prince (of Persia!) in the 6th century who battles an evil fellow who has control of the magically powered Sands of Time. Fighting alongside Dastan is Gemma Arterton as Princess Tamina. Arterton is about to hit the big screen in major way in the upcoming Bond flick "Quantum of Solace".

Production begins this July with Mike Newell ("Four Weddings and a Funeral", "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire") at the helm.

Latino Review uncovered this bit of ethnically challenged casting way, way back in early April:

Strangely, they're not sourced in Variety's article. Click here to learn why that is and what you can help do about it.