By Patrick Luce Jul 30, 2008, 13:15 GMT
John Goodman is back on Soenke Wortmann’s medieval drama “Pope Joan” following a settlement with Constantin Film on a legal dispute. David Wenham (“300”) has also signed to star in the film.
US Actor John Goodman laughs as he attends the New York premeire of 'Speed Racer' at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York USA, 03 May 2008. EPA/PETER FOLEY
Variety reports the film recounts the 9th-century legend of a woman who, disguised as a man, manages to ascend the papal throne. Johanna Wokalek (“Der Baader Meinhof Komplex”) is set to lead the film – which is an adaptation of Donna Woolfolk Cross’ 1997 bestselling novel.
Constantin filed a $3 million lawsuit against Goodman in 2007, but issued a statement that the case had been settled. Both parties have agreed not to comment on the settlement or discuss the terms of the agreement.
Goodman (“Speed Racer”) is set to handle the role of Pope Sergius and Wenham (who is at work on Michael Mann’s “Public Enemies” and Baz Luhrmann’s “Australia”) will handle the role of the kind knight Gerold - who becomes Joan’s love interest.
The film is scheduled to start filming next month with locations in the German states of Saxony-Anhalt and North Rhine-Westphalia and Morocco.
Your Talkback on this Story