Gary Oldman took one year to commit to playing Winston Churchill

With what is turning out to be a role that would give an Oscar nod to Gary Oldman, it took over a year to get him to commit to the part, according to the film's producer Doug Urbanski.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Oldman revealed why he finally decided to accept the role.

He said, "As an actor, you want great roles to come your way. To me, at the end of the day, it was like turning down Falstaff or King Lear, to have the opportunity to stand in a room and with 600 people and to say, 'We shall fight you on the beaches,' to speak some of those great words, that's what tipped me over the edge."

Director Joe Wright, who will likely be on several awards-season shortlists, spoke about the challenge of directing Oldman, whom he referred to as the greatest actor of his generation.

"I was terrified when I first met him, because he had been a hero of mine since I was 14, 15, years old. I couldn't believe I was in the same room with him. But once my nerves had calmed down, I realized that he was an actor, and like all actors he needed support, he needed love and appreciation and he needed direction. He needed a collaborator and he needed to feel safe," noted Wright.

A two-time BAFTA award-winning artist Oldman is considered to be the leading choice in the award season, in the category of acting.

Helmed by Joe Wright, 'Darkest Hour' tells the story of the early days of World War II, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Hitler, or fight on against incredible odds.

The flick is slated to release on November 22 in the US.