Author Topic: Will Smith To Play Ancient Egyptian Pharoah In New Flick (Read 99 times)

Elano · « **on:** September 08, 2008, 03:06:11 PM »

Academy-nominated actor and box office powerhouse Will Smith is gearing up for his latest role in the upcoming drama The Last Pharaoh.

According to Variety, the rapper-turned-acting superstar will play the role of Taharqa, a pharaoh known for battling Assyrian invaders in ancient Egypt. Reigning from 690 B.C. to 664 B.C., the film will primarily center on his historic battles with Assyrian leader Esarhaddon.

The Columbia Pictures drama will be written by Randall Wallace, known for penning Mel Gibson’s Braveheart and produced by Smith, James Lassiter and Ken Stovitz for Overbrook Entertainment.

Known for his long history of ground-shattering box office hits like this summer’s Hancock, which made nearly $200 million in combined domestic and worldwide sales it’s opening week, Smith has proceeded to expand on his films’ character selection. His most historic character portrayal was in his Academy Awards nominated role as boxing legend Muhammad Ali in 2001’s Ali.

As of now, no release date has been announced for The Last Pharoah.

In related news, Smith recently wrapped up production in the upcoming Gabriele Muccino-directed film Seven Pounds. The drama places him in the role of an IRS agent facing suicidal thoughts but realizes his plans are being altered.

Seven Pounds is currently scheduled to hit theaters this winter.