Julia Roberts to Play Joan Root in New Movie
Filed under: Drama, Casting, Newsstand
While gearing up for one heckuva busy production schedule, Working Title Films has nabbed the actress responsible for their biggest box office hit to date (Notting Hill) for a new biopic on the wildlife conservationist Joan Root. Variety reports that Julia Roberts has signed on to star as Root (who was shot dead in her Kenyan home earlier this year), tapping David Magee (Finding Neverland) to pen a script which was inspired by the Vanity Fair article A Flowering Evil. Pic will follow Root during her earlier years when she teamed with her husband on a number of acclaimed nature documentaries in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
It's a different role for Roberts (who hasn't starred in a live action film since 2004), but one that could definitely garner her another best actress nomination should all the right chips fall into place. She will next be seen this fall in the much-hyped Charlie Wilson's War, starring opposite Tom Hanks and Philip Seymour Hoffman. As for Working Title, this Joan Root project is one of four that are being prepped to shoot early next year; they include Richard Curtis' The Boat That Rocked, Paul Greengrass' Imperial Life in the Emerald City and the Coen Bros.' A Serious Man. Aside from those four, WT also have six pics set to go into production by the end of this year. Go Working Title! For those familiar with the life of Joan Root, do you feel Roberts is a good choice to play her?
400 Screens, 400 Blows - The Fantastic Ford
Box Office: This Bunny is a Longshot in the Death Race
Restored 'Godfather' and 'Godfather Part II' Screen in NYC
Megan Fox Battles Her Breasts in New 'Transformers 2' Set Pics
Review: The Rocker
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg){kind=spacer}
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-15-2007 @ 2:33PM
A.R. said...
Although I enjoy Ms. Roberts work as an actress, I feel that casting herself in this role is unfortunate, though it is obvious that she is producing this film in order to star in it. I researched Joan Root's life after reading the article, becuase I too thought it would make a beautiful and epic film, a love story and a thriler infused with political drama and an environmental message. If I were to cast this role, I would choose Nicole Kidman, who is perfect to portray the tall, blonde, yet subdued Joan Root. Just watch the amazing documentary "Balloon Safari" that Ms. Root made with her husband Alan Root and you will see what I mean.
Reply
7-19-2007 @ 7:33AM
Jocelyn Walker said...
Joan was an eloquent but softly spoken woman. From a young girl growing up on my aunt, 'Johnnie's' coffee farm, her love of Nature & Wildlife was always predominant. She had that quiet, determined 'Kenyan Spirit'! I hope that the filmmakers & Julia Roberts research Joan's life beyond the glitz of filmmaking & portray her as the knowledgeable, quietly astute partner to Allan, & whose entire life revolved around conservation in Africa & educating people on Wildlife! She was extremely wise & had those special qualities that attracted animal & human alike, in a reserved, unaffected way! Julia hopefully will also research the Kenyan....Colonial accent, as in my opinion, an American accent would be out of character! No makeup...down to earth...natural! No fancy clothes...Joan's personality & vitality had no need for beauty enhancements!
Reply