Nate6
03-10-2002, 10:21 AM
Well, unlike many who say that an Alexander the Great biopic will be Oscar-nominee Ridley Scott's next, he'll actually be making the historical drama Tripoli. It actually sounds really great, the script is even being compared to Lawrence of Arabia. And hopefully it'll be a little better than Gladiator. Scott is a talented director (on possibly the biggest film comeback in history) and he could do this well. Here's the Variety report:
NEW YORK (Variety) — Oscar-nominated Black Hawk Down director Ridley Scott has committed to make his next film the historical drama Tripoli.
The 20th Century Fox project revolves around the true story of William Eaton, an American who helped the rightful heir to the throne of Tripoli (now Libya) lead an overthrow of a corrupt ruler who was oppressing the population in the early 1800s.
Tripoli had a remarkably brief gestation period, as William Monahan's script was purchased by Fox and producer Mark Gordon just three months ago. The studio is eyeing a late summer or early fall start date for the project, which is being compared in scope to Lawrence of Arabia.
"It is the story of a young man's growth from a diplomat to a soldier to a statesman, and it has all those things that Ridley does so well," said Fox co-chairman Tom Rothman.
The Tripoli commitment comes just days after Scott's Fox-based Scott Free banner, which he runs with brother Tony, hired Massachusetts-based Monahan to draft an epic adventure set during the 11th-century Crusades; Scott hopes to direct that picture after he completes Tripoli.
Scott has maintained a prolific post-millennium pace, directing in quick succession the Best Picture Oscar winner Gladiator, followed by the hits Hannibal and Black Hawk Down.
NEW YORK (Variety) — Oscar-nominated Black Hawk Down director Ridley Scott has committed to make his next film the historical drama Tripoli.
The 20th Century Fox project revolves around the true story of William Eaton, an American who helped the rightful heir to the throne of Tripoli (now Libya) lead an overthrow of a corrupt ruler who was oppressing the population in the early 1800s.
Tripoli had a remarkably brief gestation period, as William Monahan's script was purchased by Fox and producer Mark Gordon just three months ago. The studio is eyeing a late summer or early fall start date for the project, which is being compared in scope to Lawrence of Arabia.
"It is the story of a young man's growth from a diplomat to a soldier to a statesman, and it has all those things that Ridley does so well," said Fox co-chairman Tom Rothman.
The Tripoli commitment comes just days after Scott's Fox-based Scott Free banner, which he runs with brother Tony, hired Massachusetts-based Monahan to draft an epic adventure set during the 11th-century Crusades; Scott hopes to direct that picture after he completes Tripoli.
Scott has maintained a prolific post-millennium pace, directing in quick succession the Best Picture Oscar winner Gladiator, followed by the hits Hannibal and Black Hawk Down.