Eric Roth (FORREST GUMP, EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE) is in talks to adapt Stacy Schiff's CLEOPATRA: A LIFE for Sony, reports Variety. Brian Helgeland (L.A. CONFIDENTIAL) wrote the original draft. The new take on the Egyptian beauty paints her as master strategist.

Angelina Jolie has long been attached to star and David Fincher is eying it as a directing gig. Scott Rudin is producing. James Cameron had previously considered directing the film, which he planned to shoot in 3-D.