Daniel Craig's 'Defiance': Zwick to direct him

By Stone Martindale May 17, 2007, 16:46 GMT

British actor Daniel Craig EPA/SEAN MASTERSON

Actor Daniel Craig will star in "Defiance" with Ed Zwick writing, directing, and producing film, according to Variety.

Zwick and Craig are teaming for World War II action-drama "Defiance," about a band of Jewish resistance fighters.  Paramount Vantage is negotiating to pick up domestic distribrution rights, claims Variety.

The film is based on a true story and is set to begin production in early September, meaning Craig will shoot "Defiance" before he begins filming "Bond 22."

The film budget is set at around $50 million reports Variety.

The news was announced at Cannes Film Festival, where Jere Haufstater's Essential Entertainment is handling international sales.

Zwick will produce through his Bedford Falls banner. Variety reports he "began developing 'Defiance' 8 years ago after picking up the film rights to Nechama Tec's non-fiction tome of the same name."

In "Defiance" - four Jewish brothers living in Nazi occupied Poland who escape into the forest, where they join up with Russian resistance fighters in battling the Nazis and trying to save the lives of other Jews.

Craig will be seen in "The Invasion," opening in August with Nicole Kidman, and "His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass," opening Dec. 7. also co-starring with Kidman.

Variety reports "Bond 22" is looking for a winter start date.