Harvey Weinstein Is Developing an Edgardo Mortara Film To Rival Spielberg.
Film producer Harvey Weinstein is reportedly moving forward with his plans to develop a film based on the story of Edgardo Mortara. However, this film is likely to come head to head with a similar project by Spielberg titled The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara.
The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara is an intriguing true story about a young Jewish boy who was taken away from his family to be raised a Catholic in 1858. Mortara later became a priest in the Augustinian Order. The story is based on a book with the same title by David Kertzer.
According to THR, Weinstein has been developing the story for 8 years. At some point, he and Speilberg entertained the idea of collaborating. But the two eventually parted ways and Spielberg went ahead with his version.
No actors are currently attached to Weinstein's film though THR reported that he is eyeing Robert De Niro for the role of Pope Pius IX and Baltasar Kormakur (Everest) is in talks to direct. Jeremy Brock (The Last King of Scotland) is writing the script while Julia Chasman, who has been developing the story for 15 years is set to produce.
The Weinstein Company plans to start filming in January 2017. Spielberg, who is currently filming Ready Player One, will start filming in April 2017 in hopes of releasing it during awards season.
src: THR
