By Nicole Kidman has been confirmed for the lead role in the Phillip Noyce (Salt) directed My Wild Life. The film will tell the story of Kenyan conservationist Dame Daphne Sheldrick, who has dedicated her life to helping orphaned elephants and rhinoceroses – often the result of poachers – recover their health and return to the wild. Sheldrick’s foundation, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (named for her departed husband), was the subject of the BBC’s wonderful 2005 series, The Elephant Diaries. Anyone lucky enough to have seen it will know what incredible creatures elephants are and why Sheldrick’s work is so important and commendable.
The film project has been in development for a while, with Julia Roberts and Kate Winslet previously attached to the lead role. Shooting is proposed to start in Q1 2012 for a Christmas release. Having a star as high profile as Kidman involved should get the film some attention, which I’m pleased about regardless of how it turns out: if it means more donations to the DSWT, the endeavour will definitely have been worthwhile. After the jump, a baby elephant and rhino to tempt you to be awesome and generous at the Trust’s donation page.
[via Collider]
