David Fincher is the latest big name director to walk way from Angelina Jolie's Cleopatra film, Vulture reports.
Sony is reportedly approaching other star directors for the film, including Ang Lee ("Brokeback Mountain").
The project has been on Jolie's mind since at least late 2010. At that time, the actress said it would be a dream to "explore" the character as much more than a sex symbol, but admitted that the pieces were not falling together.
Fincher had been attached for over a year. Mega-producer Scott Rudin is also behind the project.
As Vulture notes, there's a long line of big names who have left the project, including "Avatar" and "Titanic" heavyweight James Cameron and "Bourne Ultimatum" director Paul Greengrass. Cameron had to balk after he signed on for more "Avatar" movies.
It must be frustrating for Jolie, who seems especially excited to take on the part. More salt is headed to the wound in the form of an upcoming NBC series on Cleopatra. That project is coming from writer-producer Michael Seitzman ("North Country").
Elsewhere, Britney Spears posed as Cleopatra to promote her new perfume.
Jolie is currently filming Disney's "Maleficent." The studio announced this week that her daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, would be joining her in the movie.
Elizabeth Taylor famously starred (along with Richard Burton) in 1963's "Cleopatra." That film was directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and was the most expensive movie ever made (when adjusted for inflation). It was a box office dud which nonetheless ambled its way to fine reviews and four Oscars.
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