"Maleficent" star Angelina Jolie reportedly purchased the rights of Simon Sebag Montefiore's bestselling book, "Catherine the Great and Potemkin: The Imperial Love Affair."
How much Jolie Pas, "Salt" actress' production company, paid to get an option from the book's publishing group remains a secret. Although, a source leaked an information describing it as "high five-figure sum."
"I am thrilled that Angelina has optioned the book because it was my first book and it was very much a labor of love," Sebag Montefiore said. "Catherine is the ultimate feminist hero. I feel very safe with Angelina in charge of it."
The "Wanted" actress was first connected with Catherine the Great's role in a different movie proposed more than a decade ago. However, the film didn't materialize, according to NZ Herald.
This character is a dream come true for the Hollywood actress, according to Daily Mail. However, the details whether she will take the front camera or stay behind it is not yet revealed.
In addition, whether the adaptation of "Catherine the Great" is going to be a film or a television series is also not yet confirmed.
"I love directing," Brad Pitt's wife said in an interview with the Guardian. She added that she loved the stories she's been allowed to direct.
"I am very lucky that I can do less work now," she continued. She clarified that if an exciting role comes in - something that she'd never done before, crazy and her kids would love — she would consider it.
The author described Catherine the Great and Potemkin's love affair as the greatest in the history. The couple, who was believed to be secretly married, ruled the Russian Empire together.
Catherine, who became the Empress of Russia following a coup against her husband Peter III, reigned over the country for 27 years. This was regarded as the golden era in Russian history.
She was a sexually liberated woman, engaging on affairs with numerous men and because of this, she was branded as a "nymphomaniac." Despite the countless affairs, the Empress was particularly fond of Potemkin.
Will the Screen Actors Guild Awards recipient play the role as the greatest Russian ruler of the 18th Century? That's something to look forward to.
