Director Oliver Stone is in the process of producing a biopic about current U.S president George W. Bush - simply titled 'W.'
Stone, famous for choosing controversial subject matter for his films, has already established the major cast; 'American Gangster' star Josh Brolin as George W. Bush, '40-year-old virgin' star Elizabeth Banks as Laura Bush, and veteran actress Ellen Bursten as Barbra Bush.
Stone is also in negotiations with 'Pursuit of Happyness' star Thandie Newton to play Secretary Of State Condoleezza Rice.
The movie will focus on Bush's formative years, and later his time in the White House.
Sources familiar with the script say it paints a balanced portrait of the somewhat polarizing president, highlighting his predisposition toward personal agendas but also showing a sympathetic, warm side.
"Josh [Brolin] is actually better looking than [George W.] Bush but has the same drive and charisma that Americans identify with Bush, who has some of that old-time movie-star swagger. I want a fair, true portrait of the man [for my film]." Stone said.
Stone is no stranger to tackling controversial biopics of prominent political and cultural figures.
JFK (1991) and Nixon (1996) were both highly controversial, talked about releases, and in 2003 Stone released 'Commandante', a documentary film about the director's meeting with Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.
'W.' is scheduled for release in 2009.
