Eastwood may direct Mandela World Cup film

Multimedia

The world pays tribute to Mandela (slideshow)
As South Africans come to terms with the loss of former president Nelson Mandela, the rest of the world bids farewell to Madiba.

Pimples: Saving Madiba's rabbit (video)
Gwede, Mac and Blade try their best to stop the rabbit from whispering in Mandela's ear. But the elusive animal has some tricks up its sleeve.

Zapiro's best Madiba cartoons (slideshow)
From his toughest moments to his most triumphant, Madiba has been an inspiration. Here are some of our favourite Zapiro cartoons about him from 1994 to 2013.

Mandela: SA's greatest son laid to rest (slideshow)
The world watched as Nelson Mandela was finally laid to rest in his hometown of Qunu following a dignified and moving funeral ceremony on Sunday.

25 Sep 2007 14:07 - Staff Reporter

Eastwood may direct Mandela World Cup film

Clint Eastwood may direct an upcoming Hollywood film based on former South African president Nelson Mandela and his appearance at the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, United States media reported on Tuesday. The drama will see Morgan Freeman portray Mandela, entertainment journal Daily Variety reported.

Oscar-winner Eastwood has been linked to the film as plans take shape for the post-apartheid drama, which will see Morgan Freeman portray Mandela, entertainment journal Daily Variety reported.

Matt Damon is in talks to play Springboks captain Francois Pienaar, the report added.

The film is to be based on a book by British journalist John Carlin, The Human Factor: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Changed the World.

It will focus on events surrounding the Rugby World Cup in South Africa 12 years ago and how Mandela used the tournament -- won by the host nation -- to bring white and black South Africans together.

Mandela appeared in a South Africa jersey to present the trophy to Pienaar after the final at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, which has become an iconic moment in the history of the country and sport. -- Sapa-AFP