Brad Pitt Negotiating To Star In “Troy” For Warner Bros. Pictures

(September 12, 2002 – Burbank, CA) – Brad Pitt is in final negotiations with Warner Bros. Pictures to star in the role of Achilles in the Studio’s epic adventure “Troy,” it was announced today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures. Set to begin production in Spring 2003, “Troy” brings to the screen the classic legend of “The Iliad,” a story of destiny, love and loyalty set against the Trojan War, from a screenplay by novelist and screenwriter David Benioff (“The 25th Hour”). Wolfgang Petersen will direct and will produce the project with Diana Rathbun. “We are very pleased that Brad will be teaming with Wolfgang Petersen and joining the cast of ‘Troy,’” Robinov said. “He will make the perfect Achilles.” Concurrently, Pitt has stepped away from “The Fountain,” another Warner Bros. Pictures film; production on that project will be postponed. Emphasized Robinov, “Although we are disappointed not to be moving forward with ‘The Fountain’ right now, we remain committed to working with the film’s director, Darren Aronofsky, a filmmaker with unique vision and exceptional taste.” Added Pitt, “Given my friendship and respect for Darren and the year and a half we’ve dedicated to working on this project, I too am disappointed. Still, I remain encouraged that ‘The Fountain’ will yet have its day.” Darren Aronofsky directed the Academy Award-nominated drama “Requiem for a Dream” and made his directing debut with the acclaimed independent feature “π” (Pi). # # #