The Mira Nair-directed movie which is based on the story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi will start filming in the spring.
- January 10, 2015
AceShowbiz -
Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo apparently are eyeing a new project. According to a Friday, January 9 report from Deadline, the two stars are circling Disney's "Queen of Katwe". The movie centers on Phiona Mutesi who overcomes all and becomes a chess prodigy. Based on a 2011 ESPN The Magazine article by Tim Crothers and book "The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl's Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster", it is directed by Mira Nair.
Nyong'o who won Best Supporting Actress trophy at last year's Oscars for her performance in "12 Years a Slave" is linked to the role of Mutesi's mother Harriet. Oyelowo is circling the role of Robert Katende, Mutesi's coach who helped her reach the World Chess Olympiad. The studio is planning to start shooting in spring.
Previously, the two stars were also attached to "Americanah" which tells the love story of two Nigerian immigrants. Based on a novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the movie is produced by Brad Pitt through his Plan B production banner along with Nyong'o and Andrea Calderwood.
Oyelowo is currently enjoying the success of his movie "Selma". He is nominated in Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama category at the upcoming Golden Globe Awards for his performance as Martin Luther King Jr. He also appeared in "Interstellar" and "A Most Violent Year" last year.
