Depp takes on KGB

Johnny Depp has signed on to produce and possibly star in an upcoming movie based on the store of former KGB agent Alexander Litvineko who, before his death, claimed he was poisoned by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s people. The movie will be based on an upcoming book on the subject by New York Times London bureau chief Alan Cowell titled “Sasha’s Story: The Life and Death of a Russian Spy.” Depp was said to be following the story since it initially broke and jumped at the chance to acquire the movie rights. Depp is currently in pre-production on Tim Burton’s SWEENEY TODD where he’ll star with Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen. The movie could still be some way off as Cowell has yet to even finish writing the book, which isn’t expected to hit shelves until later this year. Post TODD, Depp hasn’t signed on to his next project though his production company has a number of possibilities including the Nick Hornby adaptation A LONG WAY DOWN.