Leonardo DiCaprio may yet get to make his Viking movie.  The actor has long been keen on getting a film about Vikings off the ground, and at one point was set to star in a Viking-centered film to be directed by Mel Gibson.  Of course Gibson’s public explosions put that one to rest, but now Deadline reports that Warner Bros. and DiCaprio’s Appian Way production company have acquired a pitch for a Viking film called King Harald, which will be developed as a potential star vehicle for DiCaprio.  Scripted by Mark L. Smith, the film tells the story of 11th century conqueror Harald Hardrada, who spent 15 years in exile as a mercenary and military commander in the Byzantine Empire before becoming king.  Hardrada is widely considered the last great Viking king, and his death at the Battle of Stamford Bridge is noted as bringing an end to the Viking age.

DiCaprio will produce King Harald through his Appian Way banner, and the film is described as being in the vein of Braveheart.  This is one of a number of projects that DiCaprio has in development as potential star vehicles, including Rasputin, so who knows whether it will come to fruition.  Nevertheless, it certainly sounds like a meaty role for the actor.