Casting News: Angelina Jolie in Gertrude Bell Biopic; Sharon Stone in Linda Lovelace Biopic
Posted 11.18.11 by Ryan
Actress Angelina Jolie is known these days as much for her on-screen work as her humanitarian efforts, and her next project will combine both.
THR reports that Jolie is attached to star in the biopic Gertrude Bell, based on the life of the English writer, archaeologist and explorer known for her British Intelligence work in the Middle East during the early 20th Century. Her intelligence work was instrumental in administering the creation of the modern state of Iraq after the end of the Ottoman Empire. Despite traveling and working in a predominantly male world, Bell has been described as "one of the few representatives of His Majesty's Government remembered by the Arabs with anything resembling affection".
Screenwriter Jeffrey Caine (The Constant Gardener) is working to tailor the script for Jolie, which could be directed by Ridley Scott (Gladiator), who is already producing through his Scott Free production company. Reportedly, the movie is one of three projects Scott might direct after he finishes his upcoming sci-fi epic Prometheus, the sort-of prequel to his classic movie, Alien. According to the report, Scott is also looking at directing the drama Gucci, which would follow the famous fashion family through the 1970's and 80's, as well as serial killer mystery Child 44, which is set in Stalinist Russia.
Jolie is also set to appear in a sequel to last year's Salt.
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Arguably less historically relevant, another biopic currently in the works is Inferno: a Linda Lovelace Story, which follows the life of the 1970's porn star and is based on Linda Lovelace's autobiography, Ordeal.
Originally, Lindsay Lohan was cast as Lovelace, until she was fired or quit the movie a year ago, and was replaced by Malin Akerman (Watchmen). Playing Lovelace's mother in the movie is Sharon Stone, who announced her casting while talking to AP (via EW). Matt Dillon (Takers) will play Lovelace's abusive pornographer husband, Chuck Traynor.
Matthew Wilder (Your Name Here) is directing Inferno, which should not be confused with the other Lovelace biopic, simply titled Lovelace, which only proves that when Hollywood decides to make a movie, they like to make it twice. Lovelace recently cast actress Amanda Seyfried (In Time) in the title role and Peter Sarsgaard in the role of Traynor. No word on who will play Stone's role.