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Weinstein Company Takes Biopic 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,' Starring Idris Elba: Oscar Fodder?

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The Weinstein Company has acquired all North American, Australian and New Zealand distribution rights to the Nelson Mandela biopic "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom." The film stars Idris Elba ("Prometheus," "The Wire") in the title role of the former South African president and anti-apartheid revolutionary, and Naomie Harris ("Skyfall") as Mandela's wife of 39 years, Winnie.

By Beth Hanna
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February 22, 2013 11:56 AM
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1 Comment

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Check out this first look at Justin Chadwick's "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom," which stars Idris Elba and Naomie Harris as Nelson and Winnie Mandela. From the screenplay by Bill Nicholson ("Gladiator," "Les Miserables"), the biopic reveals sides of the pivotal South African leader most of us do not know. Yes, the film documents his rise from rural villager to political prisoner and country changer, but it also introduces Mandela as a playboy who loves women, fast cars and boxing. Naomie Harris will soon become better known as the latest Bond Girl opposite Daniel Craig in "Skyfall." Elba ("The Wire," "Luther," and "Prometheus") is currently reprising his role as Heimdall in "Thor 2." "Mandela" began shooting in May, mostly on the actual location where the events took place, from the Eastern Cape to KwaZulu Natal.