The hectic lives of two globe-trotting movie talents such as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt means they probably don’t get as much time together as they’d like. Last year, the pair united for Jolie’s third film, By The Sea, in which they both star. In light of today’s news, it looks as if they had a jolly good time, as The Wrap now reports that Pitt has entered early negotiations to lead his wife’s next directorial effort, Africa.
Jolie committed to the project last September and will co-produce the biopic along with Skydance Productions’ David Ellison and Dana Goldberg. Penned by Forrest Gump‘s Oscar-winning screenwriter Eric Roth, Africa tells the story of famed paleo-archaeologist, Richard Leakey. Set in the late ’80s, the film will center around one of Leakey’s most infamous battles against a group of elephant poachers in Africa. Pitt is said to be in contention for that leading part, but as yet, no one from Skydance has corroborated the rumor.
A topic close to Jolie’s heart, Africa will be the director’s third movie that’s based on a true story. Here’s what the Oscar-winner said of the project last year:
“I’ve felt a deep connection to Africa and its culture for much of my life, and was taken with Eric’s beautiful script about a man drawn into the violent conflict with elephant poachers who emerged with a deeper understanding of man’s footprint and a profound sense of responsibility for the world around him.”
Her most recent film, the WWII drama Unbroken, chronicled the life of former Olympic runner Louis Zamperini and his experiences as a POW. Beautifully-shot, the film attracted mixed reviews, but you cannot deny Jolie’s untempered enthusiasm for raising awareness of societal issues that demand more attention. It looks as if she’ll be treading a similar path with Africa. And, it promises to boast more breathtaking visuals, as Unbroken‘s director of photography Roger Deakins will be lensing the movie.
We’ll keep you posted with any further updates.
