Warner Independent has hooked Jonathan Jakubowicz ("Secuestro Express") to direct its Spanish-set drama "Queen of the South" reports Variety.
Based on Arturo Perez-Reverte's bestselling novel, and described as an Iberian-set female version of 'Scarface,' the story revolves around a Mexican woman who escapes to Spain after her drug mule boyfriend is killed.
She then becomes a drug kingpin and seeks revenge for her boyfriend's murderers. Albert Torres ("Henry Poole Is Here") recently did a rewrite of Hanna Weg's script.
Eva Mendes, Penelope Cruz and Jennifer Lopez are eyeing the project, but casting has not yet begun. Production is scheduled to begin in the Fall.
