Thursday July 13, 2006
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An Oscar-worthy role that was intended for Jennifer Aniston has been given to Angelina Jolie. It was announced Thursday that Jolie, 31, will play Mariane Pearl in a film adaptation of her book, A Mighty Heart: The Brave Life and Death of My Husband Danny Pearl. Mariane is the widow of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl who was kidnapped and murdered while covering a story in Pakistan in 2002. Brad Pitt will produce the film, directed by Michael Winterbottom.
Pitt and Aniston, who co-owned the production company Plan B, bought the rights to the book when they were still married, with the idea that Jen would star in the film adaptation. Jen ceded her stake in the company after the couple divorced in 2005, leaving Pitt to cast his baby-mama in the starring role.
Mariane Pearl, who is believed to have visited Pitt and Jolie during their stay in Nambia, said in a statement: "I am delighted that Angelina Jolie will be playing my role in the adaptation of my book. I deeply admire her work and what she is committed to."
A Mighty Heart is the first on-screen role Jolie has accepted since the birth of daughter Shiloh Nouvel, born in Namibia in May. Last week she agreed to lend her voice to a tiger in the animated film Kung Fu Panda, also starring Jack Black.
Talk to Us: Should Angelina have accepted the role knowing it was intended for Jen?
