Morgan Freeman heading to the ISLANDS IN THE STREAM

Back in January, veteran Tommy Lee Jones mentioned his intent in wanting to adapt the classic Ernest Hemingway novel Islands in the Stream - a book which has already been turned into a movie in the late 70's by Planet of the Apes director Franklin J. Schaffner which starred George C. Scott. Well four months on and it looks like Jones has got his studio deal and his first casting looks imminent. Morgan Freeman and John Goodman are in talks to star - for what would be the first time both have ever worked with Tommy Lee Jones... The book which was cobbled together from rough but seemingly completed notes found at Hemingway€™s house follows a painter through three different stages of his life. His time of tranquility in the Bahamas, his time of cynicism during WW-II when he hears of his son€™s death in battle and then a final act which sees him travel out to confront a German boat full of Nazi soldiers. Tommy Lee Jones will produce and direct the film he co-wrote with Bill Witliff (The Perfect Storm). FINALLY - a great leading role for Freeman after almost making himself completely invisible as a supporting actor for the last few years. And has anyone seen The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada? Awesome movie that marked Jones' debut as a director, I'm so glad it wasn't just a one time curiosity thing and he is back to directing again! Shooting won't begin till next March over in Puerto Rico and it will be budgeted at around $30 million. source - the hollywood reporter