Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Sister) is helming a film biography about the former South African president, Nelson Mandela. Idris Elba (Luther, The Wire) is portraying Mandela, and the start date of the project has been announced. Some film professionals are comparing this upcoming movie to the Oscar-winning Ghandi!
The 15-week shoot will begin on May 26 and take place all over South Africa, including in Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Robben Island, Pollsmoor and the Victor Verster prisons.
The script, by William Nicholson, is based off of Mandela’s autobiography of the same name: Long Walk to Freedom. South African Anant Singh is the producer.
The Hollywood Reporter provides additional details:
The movie will span Mandela’s life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa. The story is described as a thrilling and ultimately joyous story of a good man triumphing against all odds.
Movie rights were acquired by Singh 15 years ago when — in the face of fierce competition from U.S. studios — Mandela entrusted him with his story. The film has come together with the full support and endorsement of Mandela, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory.
No details are out yet about a release date, but we will keep you posted with information!
Will you see this biography on the former South African president?