After the critical and commercial success of Unbroken last year, Angelina Jolie is turning to Africa for her next directorial effort.  We previously reported that the film will be a bio-pic of paleo-archeologist Richard Leakey, who devoted his life to combating elephant and rhino poaching.  And now the film seems to be close to securing its star, Brad Pitt.  I hear he's pretty popular.

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The Wrap reports that Pitt is in talks to join the Skydance production, which will shoot in Africa with Roger Deakins as DP in what might be the best combo of cinematographer and setting ever.  The film was written by Eric Roth (The Insider and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and which is described as a “sweeping epic” that tells the story of the African-born fossil hunter who turned his attention from the past to the present.  Jolie is producing alongside David EllisonDana Goldberg, and Jon Peters

Jolie previously commented on the film:

“I’ve felt a deep connection to Africa and its culture for much of my life, and was taken with Eric’s beautiful script about a man drawn into the violent conflict with elephant poachers who emerged with a deeper understanding of man’s footprint and a profound sense of responsibility for the world around him.”

Africa, now with more Brad Pitt, could conceivably start shooting this summer.

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Image via Sony Pictures