David Oyelowo (“Selma”) and Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave”) are in negotiations to star in Mira Nair’s true story tale “Queen Of Katwe” for Disney Pictures and ESPN Films.
Based on Tim Crothers’ book, the story follows of a young woman named Phiona Mutesi. Mutesi emerged out of a Ugandan slum to reach the World Chess Olympiad with the help and belief of her coach-mentor Robert Katende (Oyelowo). Nyong’o will play Harriet Mutesi, Phiona’s young mother.
William Wheeler (” The Reluctant Fundamentalist”) is penning the script for the $15 million budget film, and shooting begins in the Spring. John Carls and Lydia Dean Pilcher are producing.
Source: Deadline
