Zwick and Craig unite in 'Defiance'

Edward Zwick casts Daniel Craig in his forthcoming WWII drama

May 16 2007

Director of 'Blood Diamond', Edward Zwick, will follow up his Academy Award-nominated drama with WWII resistance film 'Defiance', and has cast our own Daniel Craig in the lead.

Zwick will produce and direct his own screenplay, which centres on the true story of a band of four brothers in Nazi-occupied Poland who join forces with members of the Russian resistance. No details so far on what character Craig has been tapped to play.

Carrying an expected budget of around $50 million, 'Defiance' is prepping for a September start date, with a US release in late 2008 – nicely in time for awards season consideration. Grosvenor Park are acting as financier on the project, and will be credited as executive producers.

Given Ed Zwick's proven ability when it comes to historical epics – we're thinking more 'Glory' than 'The Last Samurai' – and the presence of hot property Craig in the cast, this is shaping up to be an Oscar contender before a single frame has been shot.

• 
•