Will David Fincher Direct Cleopatra?

From The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo to the Queen of the Nile? Perhaps. Deadline is reporting that David Fincher is in talks with Scott Rudin and Sony Pictures about directing the long (long) gestating Cleopatra, with Angelina Jolie in the titular role. Because matching a director famous for doing ninety-plus takes with a film subject that once almost bankrupted a studio is never not a great idea.

You'll recall that James Cameron was initially discussed as director -- this was back when it was guaranteed to be in 3-D, of course -- but the King of the World went with his Avatar sequels instead. Paul Greengrass was also briefly considered, but he decided to direct Memphis, based his own screenplay about Martin Luther King. Whether or not Fincher has room for Cleopatra remains to be seen; he's got the long (long) (long) gestating 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea on his schedule, as well as the possibility of directing the future sequels to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

Still, kidding about his proclivity for extensive shooting schedules aside, it would be fun to watch Fincher tackle a historical epic -- especially one fronted by Jolie. Fingers crossed this one happens?

Developing...

· 'Cleopatra' Conversation Turns to David Fincher [Deadline]