Jolie is in final talks to helm the film based on the true story of Louis Zamperini as the follow-up to her directorial debut 'In the Land of Blood and Honey'.
- December 19, 2012
AceShowbiz -
Garnering success with her directorial debut "In the Land of Blood and Honey" last year, Angelina Jolie is readying her follow-up project called "Unbroken". The Oscar winner is stepping into final negotiations to helm the movie based on the story of Olympian-turned-WWII POW Louis Zamperini.
The prestigious project has been developed at Universal Pictures for nearly 55 years. Should Jolie finally sign on to direct it, it will mark her first helming stint for a major studio pic. According to Deadline, the "Salt" actress "campaigned hard for the film against a number of other directors," but the studio is impressed with her work and sets its eyes on her to tackle the difficult project.
Universal's execs Adam Fogelson and Donna Langley said of Jolie, "In her life and in her work, Angelina has embraced stories and causes involving great struggle and triumph over tremendous odds and the basic human condition." They added, "She has a real ability to illustrate the strength in human spirit which will be essential in telling Lou�s story of survival and great heroism."
As of now, the project has its latest script being drafted by "Les Miserables" scribe William Nicholson. It will be based on Laura Hillenbrand's book "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption", which became a The New York Times bestseller for more than 108 straight weeks.
Of the compelling story, Jolie said, "I read Laura Hillenbrand's brilliant book, and I was so moved by Louie Zamperini's heroic story, I immediately began to fight for the opportunity to make this film." She added, "Louie is a true hero and a man of immense humanity, faith and courage. I am deeply honored to have the chance to tell his inspiring story."
"Unbroken" revolves around Louis Zamperini, a former Olympian and WWII bombadier whose plane crashed at sea in 1943. He and two crewmates floated adrift for 47 days and 2000 miles - he was caught by the Japanese Navy and sent to a POW camp where he was specifically targeted by a sadistic overseer.
Jolie is expected to begin the production sometime in 2013. No casting has been set for the film.
