With it being three years since Werner Herzog‘s last narrative film, we’ve been waiting to see what the prolific director would take on next. It sounded like things were getting close on a Texas-set drama, but with no recent updates, we’ve turned solely to his Gertrude Bell biopic Queen of the Desert.
Star Naomi Watts revealed earlier this year that the project was currently in limbo, but now Deadline has news of a possible new casting member. After being attached last year Jude Law has exited the project and now James Franco is eying his undisclosed role. If the Spring Breakers actor signed, he would be joining Robert Pattinson, who is playing T.E. Lawrence, a man who worked with our diplomatic explorer, who negotiated with Arab nations and helped establish the countries of Iraq and Jordan.
Franco’s attachment is said to be an important one, as it would get the project going again, and we’d have to assume the actor wouldn’t pass up a chance to work with Herzog. In the meantime, Ridley Scott is working on his own version of the tale with Angelina Jolie, but that will likely be put on hold to focus on other projects, so it is yours for the taking, Mr. Herzog.
Would you like to see Franco star for Herzog in Queen of the Desert?