Ray Stevenson joins 'Book of Eli'

'Punisher' actor added to Warner Bros. drama

By MICHAEL FLEMING

Stevenson

Ray Stevenson, who opens Friday in the title role of "The Punisher: War Zone," has joined Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman and Mila Kunis in "Book of Eli," the Alcon-financed drama that Warner Bros. will distribute.

Allen and Albert Hughes will direct the pic, which begins shooting in February.

Stevenson will play an enforcer dispatched to kill Eli (Washington) as he fights his way across the American wasteland, protecting a sacred book that may hold the key to saving humanity.

Stevenson took over the Frank Castle/Punisher role in the Marvel Comics transfer after starring in the HBO drama "Rome." He most recently completed the Paul Weitz-directed "Cirque du Freak" for Universal.